Commuter Rail

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Transportation has taken the next step in bringing true high-speed passenger rail to the United States, for the first time requesting private sector participation in the design, finance, construction, operation and maintenance of high-speed service, Rep. John L. Mica, R-Fla., said. “This is the most exciting development in U.S. passenger rail in years,” Mica said.  “High-speed rail is an efficient, effective and environmentally friendly method of transportation, and a much-needed alternative to our congested highways and airspace.” Last month, the U.S. Department of Transportation will begin accepting expressions of interest to finance, design, build,

NEW ORLEANS — Six of the 24 candy-apple red Canal Street streetcars that fell victim to the floodwaters of Hurricane Katrina’s levee breaks are rolling down Canal Street, on North Carrollton Avenue to picturesque City Park, and along the majestic Mississippi Riverfront. On Dec. 12, the Regional Transit Authority held a re-dedication ceremony of the red streetcars Friday morning and when the ceremony concluded, the streetcars were put into revenue service. Mary E. Peters, Secretary, United States Department of Transportation, was among those enjoying the first ceremonial ride on the red streetcars. “In the case of New Orleans’ streetcars, seeing

WASHINGTON — Washington’s Metro will test additional eight-car trains on the Blue, Orange and Red Lines and will stop all trains at the end of each station platform as a test of its ongoing power, system, track and rail car enhancements leading up to Inauguration Weekend. On Jan. 5 and Jan. 6, Metro will operate additional eight-car trains during morning and afternoon peak periods on the Blue and Orange lines. During the off-peak periods, all trains on the Blue and Orange lines will operate with eight-cars. On Jan. 7 and Jan. 8, Metro will repeat the same process on the