The world’s first hydrogen-powered passenger trains are here
The future of environmentally friendly travel might just be here — and it’s Germany that’s leading the charge, with the first ever rail line to be entirely run on hydrogen-powered trains, starting this week. Fourteen hydrogen trains powered by fuel cell propulsion will run on the route in Bremervörde, Lower Saxony. The €93M ($92.3M USD) deal has been struck by LVNG, the owners of the railway, and Alstom, builders of the Coradia iLint trains. The trains will gradually replace the current diesel fleet by the end of the year. [cnn.com]
Group plots Montreal-Boston overnight train, with stop at Old Orchard Beach
All aboard for Beantown — with stops in Sherbrooke and Old Orchard Beach, Maine. The creation of a Montreal-Boston overnight train will be on the agenda when Canadian and American elected officials and business people meet on September 1st. While at about 14 hours, the train trip would take double the drive time, François Pepin, president of Fondation Trains de nuit, says it would be more comfortable and affordable than driving. [montrealgazette.com]
Kenosha-Racine-Milwaukee Commuter Rail Project Receives State Support
The FTA has released a profile of the long-stalled Kenosha-Racine-Milwaukee (KRM) Commuter Rail project highlighting Wisconsin’s support for the proposed $460 million rail service. WisDOT, in conjunction with the Wisconsin Transit & Realty Group, proposes to implement the service along a 33-mile corridor from downtown Kenosha, through Racine, to the downtown Milwaukee Intermodal Station. The line is expected to serve nine stations connect to Metra’s UP-N commuter rail line in Kenosha. [railwayage.com]
Advocates present plan for Portland to Auburn rail service
Advocates have proposed passenger rail service between Auburn and Portland to a Maine DOT advisory panel. The route to be considered would follow a 24 mi (37 km) section of the idled line, which extends from Portland to Montreal. The Maine Rail Transit Coalition has proposed using an electric-powered train over the existing rails for the “Grand Trunk Flyer.” Currently, the only regularly scheduled rail service in Maine is Amtrak’s Downeaster, which travels between Brunswick and Boston. [apnews.com]
