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News

November 2023

N.Y. GOP reps push back on proposed Amtrak cuts; House vote on legislation delayed

Plans for the U.S. House to vote on a transportation funding bill drafted by Republicans were derailed this week, amid concerns about massive spending cuts for Amtrak.

Biden announces $16.4B in new funding for Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor

The Biden administration will announce a $16.4 billion investment for rail projects along Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor on Monday as part of the overall investments in infrastructure by President Biden, a longtime Amtrak user.

KDOT Provides Amtrak Update

The Kansas Department of Transportation is providing an update on the proposed expansion of Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer line.

October 2023

Amtrak Awarded Nearly $200 Million for Infrastructure, Safety Improvements

Amtrak announced that the rail company and its partners were awarded nearly $200 million from the Federal Railroad Administration’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) competitive grant program.

With grant, Amtrak plans Gulf Coast route’s return, 18 years after Katrina

Passenger trains along the Gulf Coast are inching closer to reality as Amtrak secured critical funding Monday for improvements needed to restore service nearly two decades after Hurricane Katrina flooded the region’s rail infrastructure.

Details on Amtrak expansion studies expected soon

The Federal Railroad Administration plans to announce rail corridors it will study for potential Amtrak expansion in either November or December, spokesperson William Wong tells Axios.

Amtrak CEO discusses passenger rail expansion across NC

A wide expansion of passenger rail service across North Carolina could be on track soon if local leaders have their way.

September 2023

Amtrak launches $1 billion in rail yard upgrades to prep for new trains

In a 51-acre complex two miles from Union Station, yellow-vested workers are maintaining the rail cars that whisk passengers up and down the busy Northeast Corridor.

Advocates push for government investment in Amtrak

Local rail advocates held a rally in Hudson on Thursday to urge local lawmakers to oppose cuts to Amtrak funding proposed by the House Appropriations Committee.

Amtrak to begin service on Coast in 2024

Amtrak announced at the Southern Rail Commission’s meeting Friday service on the Mississippi Gulf Coast would begin in 2024.

Asheville hosts meeting to explore proposed Amtrak service

The mayors of two North Carolina cities, one in the mountains and one on the coast, are using their voices to promote a proposed expansion of Amtrak passenger train service that would connect communities on each end of the state.

Could Amtrak trains be coming to Springfield?

For the first time in nearly 60 years, travelers may soon be able to ride the rails in and out of the Ozarks.

Local and state leaders continue to push for Amtrak in Wichita

This week, multiple local and state leaders are in Illinois continuing the push to bring Amtrak to Wichita.

MoDOT wants to expand Amtrak in Kansas City to St. Joseph, Springfield

Kansas City-area travelers could someday see more passenger rail options, including routes to St. Joseph and Springfield.

August 2023

Plan for Amtrak passenger train picks up steam

Monday was the first time Nicole Bucich, the vice president of Network Development at Amtrak, got a good look at the rails in East Stroudsburg. The reason behind it is to one day bring back passenger rail service to northeastern Pennsylvania.

New Clarksville development project could bring Amtrak station, conference center to area

A major development project is on the way to Clarksville. After a years-long process, the town was selected for the location of a multi-million-dollar plan that could include a conference center, hotel, and an Amtrak train station.

US railroad Amtrak exploring high-speed rail service in Texas

U.S. passenger railroad Amtrak and Texas Central Partners said on Wednesday they are seeking federal grants for proposed high-speed rail service between Dallas and Houston.

Amtrak releases survey showing support for passenger rail

A survey commissioned by Amtrak has found strong support for spending on passenger rail service and infrastructure, with most of those responding calling for more passenger spending in their own states.

Amtrak routes should be extended, according to readers

We asked readers how they felt about extending the Amtrak to new destinations in the United States. About 96% of the 241 readers who responded said they think the Amtrak should be extended.

JULY 2023

Plans to bring Amtrak through Nashville may curb city traffic

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) continues to work with neighboring states on the potential of bringing Amtrak to Nashville, connecting high-speed passenger rail service to other major cities in Tennessee.

JUNE 2023

This Popular Amtrak Route Will Now Go More Than 100 Miles per Hour — Cutting Down Travel Time by Nearly 2 Hours

Train travelers commuting along the Chicago to St. Louis corridor will now experience speeds 20 miles per hour faster than previously permitted by law.

Tourism officials push Amtrak's Chicago to Kansas City direct route

Tourism officials have launched a campaign to promote Amtrak’s Missouri River Runner, which provides travelers with a direct trip from Chicago to Kansas City. The two-way trip makes daily stops at Uptown Station in Normal.

MAY 2023

Expanded Milwaukee-Twin Cities Amtrak service may start later this year

Expanded Amtrak service from Milwaukee to the Twin Cities could start sometime later this year.

April 2023

Amtrak, U.S. DOT officials like Columbus' chances for restoring passenger rail

“We’re excited for hopefully getting an Amtrak station here in the city of Columbus again,” a U.S. DOT official said at a MORPC event. “We might have some good news for you soon.”

Regional Leaders Call for Expanded Amtrak Service

A report summarizing the results of regional meetings led by the Federal Railroad Administration bringing together city and state transportation officials and other stakeholders calls for more expansive and frequent train service around the country.

Will passenger rail return to Peoria? Here's the latest on the project and what's next

The Pensacola City Council voted Thursday night to send a letter to the Federal Railroad Administration to show their support for re-establishing Amtrak passenger rail service in Northwest Florida.

Amtrak recognised for diversity excellence

As Amtrak continues to build its workforce in 2023, it has been recognized for diversity excellence by Forbes.

march 2023

Chattanooga To Apply For Amtrak Route As Part Of Climate Action Plan

Chattanooga plans to apply for passenger train service on a new Amtrak route that would run between Nashville and Atlanta, officials said.

Second Amtrak train to come through La Crosse

Plans to bring a second Amtrak train through the Coulee Region every day is nearing completion.

City of Pensacola takes first step to bring back Amtrak

The Pensacola City Council voted Thursday night to send a letter to the Federal Railroad Administration to show their support for re-establishing Amtrak passenger rail service in Northwest Florida.

Amtrak Wants to Study Rail Service Connecting North Texas and Mississippi

Amtrak and the Southern Rail Commission say they will apply for federal funds to study passenger rail service between North Texas and Mississippi.

Amtrak announces plans to expand services throughout the South

Amtrak is planning to expand its railroad services throughout the South. Earlier this month, Amtrak announced they will partner with the Southern Rail Commission to “apply for federal funds to study a new service between New York City, Atlanta and Dallas/Fort Worth.”

Passenger train between Twin Cities and Duluth could restart, if funding comes through

For the first time in nearly four decades, an Amtrak passenger train between the Twin Cities and Duluth may resume if state lawmakers approve a share of funding during this spring’s legislative session.

Laying Track for Amtrak's Expansion

In much of the world, a major capital city without passenger trains would be unthinkable, yet that’s been the case in Columbus since 1979.

Feasibility study on rail service to Asheville to be released in several months

It’s something that’s been talked about for more than 20 years, and while it appears more likely to happen now, a passenger train line connecting Asheville to Salisbury and points in between is still years off.

The Ed Dean Radio Show Talks Amtrak Expansion in Florida

Amtrak Vice President, State Supported Services joined the Ed Dean Show to discuss Amtrak passenger rail expansion in Florida.

FEBRUARY 2023

'A big step for Ohio': Gov. Mike DeWine seeks $1M in federal funds to study possible Amtrak expansion

The state has identified two corridors to advance for consideration: Cleveland-Columbus-Dayton-Cincinnati and Cleveland-Toledo-Detroit.

Letter: Support for local passenger rail

Another great perk is that it would reduce the number of cars on the road, which would be great news for Wisconsin, since we have seen a sharp increase in traffic and reckless driving.

Cincinnati leaders meet with Amtrak to discuss expansion of passenger rail service

Earlier in February, Governor Mike DeWine directed the Ohio Rail Development Commission to apply for funding to expand the rail service, with the Federal Railroad Administration’s Corridor Identification and Development Program set to choose possible railway corridors within Ohio.

Opinion | An Amtrak line between Memphis and Nashville makes perfect sense

Otis Sanford discusses the possibility of an Amtrak line between Tennessee’s largest city to the state’s capital.

August 2022

Julio Fuentes Opinion: Florida’s Economy, Businesses and Tourism Will Benefit from Rail Expansion