The Center Square

First Section of California Bullet Train to Connect Two Small Cities

June 25, 2025 The Center Square

The California High-Speed Rail Authority has responded to the Federal Rail Authority’s plan to terminate $4 billion in federal funding for the Los Angeles-to-San Francisco high speed rail project.

Economic Reality May Force Sound Transit to Revise its Financial Plan

May 7, 2025 The Center Square

Much of the funding for Sound Transit’s projects, including ST3, has come from federal grants. In the past seven years, it has secured a total of $3.8 billion, with $9 billion expected in future grants for ST3.

Washington Officials: Lessons to be Learned from California’s High-Speed Rail ‘disaster’

February 18, 2025 The Center Square

As California’s high speed rail project lays its first tracks after spending billions of dollars since 2006, Washington officials are already looking at lessons to be learned on how to avoid a similar outcome as they work on their own multi-state, multi-national bullet train.

Report: California High Speed Rail Faces $6.5 Billion Funding Gap, New Delays

February 6, 2025 The Center Square

The California inspector general tasked with reviewing the state’s high speed rail program issued a new report stating the first segment is likely to be more than three years behind schedule and faces a $6.5 billion funding gap.

More Lawsuits Filed Two Years After East Palestine Derailment

February 3, 2025 The Center Square

Two years to the day after a Norfolk Southern train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, causing a toxic chemical burn and concerns over two states, more lawsuits have been filed.

Passenger Rail Set to Return Between Mobile and New Orleans

December 5, 2024 The Center Square

Shovels hit the dirt in Mobile in October, marking the long-anticipated revival of passenger rail service between Mobile and New Orleans. According to the Southern Rail Commission, service will begin in spring of 2025.

Court Approves $600M East Palestine Settlement

September 26, 2024 The Center Square

Nearly 20 months after a Norfolk Southern train derailment pushed the small eastern Ohio community of East Palestine into the national spotlight, a federal judge approved a $600 million settlement.

Despite Criticism, NJ Transit Begins Week of Free Fares

August 26, 2024 The Center Square

New Jersey Transit is offering free rides on its trains and buses this week as the embattled agency struggles to regain public confidence amid chronic delays and service disruptions.

Federal Legislation Would Stop Trains From Blocking Crossings

August 7, 2024 The Center Square

An Ohio congressman wants to bring federal law in line with Ohio law to stop trains from blocking roads throughout the state.

Taxpayers Pay $30 Million More Than Projected for New Chicago Transit Stop

August 6, 2024 The Center Square

A new Chicago Transit Authority train station has opened years late, at a taxpayer cost that surpassed initial projections by more than $30 million.