Study puts price of New Orleans to Baton Rouge passenger train at $262 million

A study by HNTB Corp. indicates that a passenger train linking New Orleans and Baton Rouge, La., on existing freight tracks, with stops in between, could begin two daily trips, ultimately growing to regular service with a possible station near the New Orleans International Airport.

Amtrak says FY2015 budget request protects NEC infrastructure

In its FY 2015 budget request to Congress, Amtrak is seeking a change in federal investment and says that continuation of current funding levels will leave the Northeast Corridor (NEC) infrastructure “vulnerable to a bigger, costlier and far more damaging failure than anything yet seen.”

X Train elects chairman of the board

The Las Vegas Railway Express, Inc. (X Train), Board of Directors elected Michael Barron as chairman of the board, succeeding John McPherson, who is moving to become the chairman of the Compensation Committee.

APTA asks Congress to authorize $100-billion federal transit program

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) has released its recommendations for authorization of the transportation bill that is set to expire at the end of September 2014.

Amtrak outlines 2014 infrastructure schedule

Amtrak plans to move forward on key improvement projects in 2014, including continued installation of positive train control (PTC), the start of major construction to upgrade Northeast Corridor high-speed rail and expansion of station accessibility for passengers with disabilities.

Massachusetts Senate approves transportation bond bill

The Massachusetts Senate passed a bill authorizing $13 billion in capital spending over the next five years to fund improvements to the commonwealth’s transportation system.

USDOT says proposed budget would address infrastructure deficit

U.S. Department of Transportation says its $90.9 billion proposed budget would lay a new foundation for economic growth and competitiveness by addressing growing infrastructure deficit, investing in the national infrastructure network and increasing safety and efficiency.

FTA capital investment programs get boost under president’s proposed budget

The Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Capital Investment Grant Program is getting a funding boost under President Obama’s proposed fiscal year 2015 budget. The proposed budget for 2015 includes $2.5 billion for FTA’s grant programs and represents an increase of $400 million over the requested 2014 budget.

Winter Park station opens in Florida

The Winter Park rail station, which serves both Amtrak and SunRail passengers, officially opened in Florida March 3 with a grand opening ceremony, which was attended by officials from Amtrak, city of Winter Park, Florida Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration and other community leaders.

Amtrak returns to Denver Union Station

Amtrak moved back to Denver Union Station at February 28, 2014, after being temporarily relocated during construction for redevelopment of the historic building, new commuter rail station and underground bus concourse.

USDOT report on highway, transit conditions points to need for more investment

A U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) report on the state of America’s transportation infrastructure, 2013 Status of the Nation’s Highways, Bridges and Transit: Conditions and Performance, concludes that more investment is needed to maintain and improve the nation’s highway and transit systems.

President Obama outlines $302-billion, four-year surface transportation reauthorization effort

President Obama proposed a $302-billion, four-year surface transportation reauthorization effort while visiting the historic Union Depot train station in Saint Paul, Minn.

Sixth round of TIGER grants will make $600 million available

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) sixth round of Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grants is making $600 million available to fund transportation projects across the country.

Colorado high-speed rail technically, not financially, feasible

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has issued two draft reports summarizing the feasibility of high-speed transit systems in both the Interstate 70 Mountain Corridor and I-25 Front Range Corridor.

Five teams qualified to bid on next segment of California HSR project

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) received five qualified bids for the next 60-mile phase of high-speed rail construction from Fresno to the Tulare-Kern County line near Bakersfield, which will be worth $1.5 to $2 billion.

IDOT Tier 2 environmental studies to look at Joliet to Chicago HSR options

Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) officials held the first of a series of public meetings on Monday, Feb. 24, introducing the public to the next step of the Chicago to St. Louis high-speed rail project and asking for feedback as it begins Tier 2 environmental studies.

CHSRA awards utility relocation design work contract to local California firm

California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) and the design-build contractor, Tutor-Perini/Zachary/Parsons, awarded a contract to Blair Church & Flynn Consulting Engineers (BC&F) for utility relocation design work in the Central Valley.

2014 capital expenditures strike steady pace

North American railroads plan to spend an equivalent amount to last year on total capital spend.

First section of rail laid near Salisbury for Piedmont Improvement Program

The N.C. Department of Transportation’s (NCDOT) Piedmont Improvement Program (PIP), a $520-million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act project to improve the North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) corridor between Raleigh and Charlotte, celebrated a major milestone with the laying of the first section of track.

The X Train names Penny White as president/COO

The Las Vegas Railway Express, Inc. (X Train), promoted former chief operations officer of passenger service, Penny White, to president and chief operations officer. All daily X Train operations will now report to her, including the chief operating officer of rail operations, human resources, administrative and IT departments in addition to the X Train Vacations travel agency and on board services team.

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