Amtrak unveils high-speed Acela II train
Amtrak has opened a second-generation Acela high-speed trainset for press inspection at Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station, giving a look inside the cars that will make up 28 160-mph trainsets projected to enter service between Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington late next year. The new trains will consist of 11-unit sets, made up of 2 power cars, a first-class car, a café car, and 7 business-class cars, one of which will be a designated quiet car. They are being built by French manufacturer Alstom at its plant in Hornell, N.Y. [railjournal.com]
Downeaster resumes summer schedule
Amtrak’s Downeaster train sevice has resumed its summer schedule, which means stops in Old Orchard Beach for passengers of the Portland-Boston rail service. Amtrak is also continuing its practice of later departures to Maine from Boston on days when the Boston Red Sox are playing a home night game or there is a major concert in Boston. The Downeaster also has a “flag stop” in Freeport for passenger having reservations to either board or depart the train at that station. The Downeaster also serves Saco and Wells. [pressherald.com]
Fed funds sought for North Bay extension
North Bay commuter rail officials confirmed they are pursuing new federal infrastructure funds to help speed the delayed northward extension of SMART in Sonoma County as well as an east-west route linking Marin and Solano counties along Highway 37. The funds are available through the Federal Rail Administration (FRA) and were allocated as part of the bipartisan $1.2 trillion infrastructure law last year. Transit money in the bill has bolstered grant money provided by the rail agency’s Corridor Identification and Development program. [northbaybusinessjournal.com]
DC station op blasts Amtrak takeover bid
The company that owns subleasing rights at Washington’s Union Station blasted Amtrak’s bid to take over the property via eminent domain, saying the passenger railroad is attempting an “unlawful condemnation” and making a “grossly inadequate” $250 million offer. In a court filing last week, Union Station Investco LLC and its associate, Union Station Sole Member LLC, challenged Amtrak’s authority to use eminent domain, saying the carrier has not proved that the entire property is needed for its transportation operations. [washingtonpost.com]
