Last week, Amtrak service in western Michigan and northern Indiana reached speeds of 110 miles per hour, marking the first expansion of regional high-speed rail in the U.S. outside of the northeast corridor. Other states seem eager to follow, and more upgrades within Illinois are already planned.
high speed rail
Congress is still wrestling with Positive Train Control requirements
The increased Amtrak speeds in Michigan and Indiana followed the Federal Railroad Administration’s approval after successful implementation of a Positive Train Control (PTC) system. PTC, first mandated by Congress in 2008, is a technology used in trains that is meant to avoid human error and prevent crashes. But now it is under attack from House Republicans.
The high speed rail quandry
The future of high speed rail in America continues to be uncertain. While California has suffered multiple setbacks in its efforts, high speed rail continues to be on the agenda in several other states.
The high speed rail quandry
The future of high speed rail in America continues to be uncertain. While California has suffered multiple setbacks in its efforts, high speed rail continues to be on the agenda in several other states.
From the Community of Practice: Washington State applies for Florida’s high-speed-rail funding.
Washington state applied for approximately $120 million in federal high-speed-rail stimulus money, part of $2.4 billion returned by Florida. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will use the money to continue improving and expanding …