Featured
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Takes a Trip Back in Time Through N. Ga. Mountains
The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway has been ferrying tourists and railfans between Blue Ridge, Ga., and the Georgia-Tennessee state line since 1998. The heritage railroad train departs from the historic 1906 Louisville & Nashville Railroad depot in downtown Blue Ridge and treks northward for an hour, providing riders with a beautiful view of the scenic North Georgia landscape.
Amtrak wants 16 percent more in federal funding for FY2015
Amtrak wants federal taxpayers to pony up 16 percent more in funding for the upcoming Fiscal Year 2015, according to a new request from the railroad. For the fiscal year, which starts Oct. 1, the railroad is asking for $1.62 billion in federal support. Amtrak received approximately $1.4 billion from in federal funds for the current fiscal year.
Breaking Down the Amtrak Long-Distance Consist
Amtrak’s long-distance trains between New York and southern destinations more or less look like a compilation of the first dozen or so cars the railroad could find. But, the consists are usually the same from trip to trip. Between New York and Washington, the train is pulled by an AEM-7 or an HHP-8, both electric […]
Northeast Corridor Must Not be Taken for Granted, Amtrak Head Says
The Northeast Corridor is an “asset of national importance” and requires significant upgrades in order ensure it remains in good working order, the head of Amtrak recently told a subcommittee of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.
Amtrak Set to Begin Testing New Long-Distance Passenger Cars
Amtrak is planning to start field testing its new long-distance passenger rail cars this winter. Once in service on long-distance routes such as the New York-to-New Orleans Crescent and the New-York-to-Miami Silver Service routes, the cars will replace Amtrak’s heritage fleet of equipment. Some of the railroad’s heritage fleet dates to the 1940s. The new […]
Amtrak’s new ACS-64 locomotives undergoing testing in Colorado
PHILADELPHIA — Amtrak’s next generation of locomotives are undergoing “rigorous” testing before they enter regular service next fall. A pair of the Amtrak Cities Sprinter (ACS-64) electric locomotives are being put through the paces at the Transportation Technology Center (TTC) facility in Pueblo, Colo., while a third locomotive will run field tests on the Northeast […]
Central Florida’s SunRail scheduled to open next year
ORLANDO, Fla. – Work on Central Florida’s first commuter rail line is progressing, and the line is expected to open by next year. Work to convert the corridor for use by SunRail remains ongoing and the headway is quite apparent. For example, new platforms are nearing completion at the Amtrak stations in Orlando and Winter […]
Amtrak: We’re 88 percent self sufficient
Amtrak is riding a wave of record ridership to highlight its reducing dependence on federal subsidies to support operations. Last week, the passenger railroad paused to highlight that ticket sales and other revenue support 88 percent of its operational costs. Federal tax revenues supported “just 12 percent of Amtrak’s operating costs,” the railroad noted. For […]
Amtrak: Private dollars will follow taxpayer funding
As Amtrak looks to upgrade its operations in the Northeast Corridor, the railroad made it clear public money will be needed to jump start the project. In testimony before the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure earlier this month, Amtrak President and CEO Joe Boardman said revenues of $1 billion or more annually from […]
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