The Center Square

Officials spar over plan to rehabilitate train tunnel from New Jersey into New York City

November 30, 2020 The Center Square

Repairing an existing rail tunnel beneath the Hudson River while constructing another tunnel could hasten a long-standing project to increase capacity between New Jersey and New York City. But it requires “pre-construction activities” to be “undertaken immediately and expedited to completion,” a new report suggests.

Feds sending $15.9 million to upgrade rail signals on Amtrak’s Harrisburg Line

October 31, 2020 The Center Square

The federal government is sending more than $15.9 million to upgrade railroad signals between Paoli and Overbrook on the Amtrak-owned Harrisburg Line.

New York’s MTA Says ‘Apocalyptic Scenario’ Looming Without $12 Billion Federal Bailout

October 31, 2020 The Center Square

Leaders at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) say they need $12 billion in federal dollars, or they may be forced to take “draconian service reductions.”

Feds Contribute $18.2 Million to Trenton Transit Center Rehab Project

October 29, 2020 The Center Square

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is sending more than $18.2 million to N.J. Transit to help pay for upgrades to the Trenton Transit Center, improving the station’s oft-maligned condition.

Georgia rail companies ask state for millions more in tax incentives

October 27, 2020 The Center Square

Short-line railroad companies that help transport goods across Georgia called on state lawmakers Tuesday for more funding.

Republicans Want to Know Whether Amtrak Gave Any Perks to Biden

October 23, 2020 The Center Square

Republicans on the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee want to know whether Amtrak gave Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden special treatment.

Amtrak Reaches Settlement with Survivor of Washington Derailment

October 16, 2020 The Center Square

A survivor of a deadly Amtrak train derailment near DuPont, Washington that killed three people and injured dozens has reached a settlement, lawyers representing her announced late Wednesday.

Amtrak Says it Needs Billions for the Northeast Corridor

October 12, 2020 The Center Square

Amtrak wants more than $1.7 billion in federal tax dollars for the Northeast Corridor, William J. Flynn, Amtrak’s president & CEO, said in a letter to congressional leaders.

Analysis: Staggers Rail Act Enabled Rail to Thrive Even During Crisis

October 10, 2020 The Center Square

October 14, 2020, marks the 40th anniversary of the enactment of the Staggers Rail Act signed by former President Jimmy Carter. The bipartisan legislation primarily deregulated the freight rail sector, which was on the brink of collapse in the 1970s.

Feds Approve $32 Million for Amtrak Expansion in Wisconsin, State to Match $6.2 Million

October 2, 2020 The Center Square

The federal government is willing to cover most of the cost to expand Amtrak service from Chicago to Minnesota, but Wisconsin has to pay its share.