USA: Denver opens long-awaited commuter rail G Line
The opening of the G Line marks the completion of Denver’s three-line electrified commuter rail project. Originally due to launch in late 2016, the 18km line’s opening was delayed due to problems with its Positive Train Control (PTC) safety system. [railjournal.com]
USA: Texas High Speed Rail Faces a New Threat: Semantics
Texas Central plans to break ground on a bullet train between Houston and Dallas in 2019. But opponents of the project have a new argument; that because the company is not yet a functioning “railroad”, it lacks the power to seize project lands by eminent domain. [citylab.com]
Asia: Despite big plans, North Korea’s trains still go almost nowhere
The dream of unimpeded travel by rail from the southern tip of the Korean Peninsula to Moscow and beyond is one long held by many in Asia. But along with the costs of revamping the North’s dilapidated rail system, the political climate in Washington remains a big hurdle. [apnews.com]
Europe: Clogged With Traffic, Brussels Is Building Its Own Regional Rail Network
In a bid to ease the capital’s traffic congestion, the first Belgian “S-trains” on the Brussels Réseau Express Régional went into service three years ago. Today, there are 12 lines which serve 143 stations, with more than 700 trains on weekdays. [forbes.com]
USA: Princeton, New Jersey’s Dinky shuttle train will start up sooner than expected
The Dinky shuttle train, which runs between the Princeton Rail Station and the Princeton Junction train station, will be put back on its tracks on May 12. The new date is nearly two weeks ahead of NJ Transit’s target date of May 24. [centraljersey.co]
USA: Portland’s TriMet moves MAX Red Line improvements project forward
TriMet’s board adopts the Locally Preferred Alternative and approves Port of Portland agreement; both steps are required in order to see the Red Line extension and other improvements become a reality. [masstransitmag.com]
USA: How California’s faltering high-speed rail project was ‘captured’ by costly consultants
When California shifted its bullet train plan into high gear in 2008, consultants assured the state there was little reason to hire in-house engineers and rail experts, because the consultants could save California money. Now, that decision has proved to be a foundational error. [latimes.com]
USA: Regional leaders unveil bold vision for future of public transit in San Diego
The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) has unveiled a so-called “5 Big Moves” plan that calls for an integrated and connected transportation network of high-speed transit connecting mobility service hubs. [10news.com]
