Court upholds Texas HSR eminent domain authority
The Texas Supreme Court has ruled that the embattled Texas Central high-speed rail project has eminent domain authority under Texas law. The case turned on whether Texas Central qualified for eminent domain authority as an “interurban electric railway” under Texas Transportation Code. The court noted that eminent domain authority is an “extraordinary intrusion on private property rights.” However, it found that proposed Houston-to-Dallas service qualifies as an interurban electric railway. [nbcdfw.com]
Amtrak orders 50 Siemens Charger locomotives
Amtrak has ordered 50 additional diesel-electric ALC-42 locomotives from Siemens Mobility. Due to be in service by 2029, the new Amtrak Long-Distance Chargers are more eco friendly than their 30-year old predecessors. Dangerous emissions are cut by over 90% and fuel consumption is also reduced. The new locomotives, which can attain speeds of 125 mph, are part of a $2 billion multi-year investment which began with an initial order in 2018. The first of the new ALC-42s began last February. [progressiverailroading.com]
Miami to Orlando Brightline close to 80% complete
Brightline’s Miami to Orlando rail project is nearing 80% completion. Complex work the Orlando International Airport station interior has been completed and a maintenance fcacility is due for completion in August. Brightline has already taken delivery of two trainsets for the Miami-Orlando route, with three more coming before year’s end. Test trains are already running on a portion of the route. Meanwhile, existing Miami to West Palm Beach service is seeing ridership boom. [thenextmiami.com]
Amtrak CEO names Roger Harris new president
Amtrak has once again split the positions of chief executive officer and president, with CEO Stephen Gardner announcing the appointment of Roger Harris as company president. Gardner had been given both responsibilities in January following the retirement of Bill Flynn as CEO. Harris has served as chief commercial officer since April 2019. As president, he will report to Gardner and lead coordination of operations, marketing, customer service, network planning, and other functions. [trains.com]
