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Amtrak and Partners Secure Federal Funding to Enhance Passenger Rail Service Across America

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Passenger train struck a roadway
Passenger train struck a roadway by National Transportation Safety Board is licensed under CC-CC0 1.0

Amtrak, the national passenger rail service in the United States, has recently been awarded over $2.1 billion in federal funding to improve existing routes and expand their services nationwide. These grants, provided through the Federal Railroad Administration’s Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program, signify a significant investment in the future of passenger rail travel in America. With these funds, Amtrak and its partners aim to enhance infrastructure, upgrade stations, and develop new intercity passenger rail corridors, ultimately delivering improved service and connectivity to communities across the country.

Amtrak’s Commitment to Expansion:
Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner expressed enthusiasm about the funding, highlighting the rising ridership and the organization’s dedication to expanding services with the support of their partners. Gardner stated, “We’re eager to bring the benefit of Amtrak’s network and experience to support states and local communities as they work to bring intercity passenger rail to new communities across America.” This commitment reflects Amtrak’s mission to provide reliable, efficient, and sustainable transportation options to an increasing number of passengers.

Infrastructure Upgrades and Station Enhancements:
A significant portion of the funding, $2 billion, will be allocated to Amtrak’s partners in North Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maine for infrastructure upgrades. These improvements will directly benefit Amtrak customers and host railroads, ensuring greater reliability, faster trips, and expanded service. Additionally, Amtrak will receive $108.5 million directly for station and service upgrades, enabling them to enhance facilities and amenities for passengers across their network.

Development of Intercity Passenger Rail Corridors:
Recognizing the need for improved connectivity between cities and regions, the federal funding also includes $34.5 million to support the planning and development of 69 new and improved intercity passenger rail corridors in 39 states and localities. Amtrak, with its extensive experience and expertise in operating passenger rail services, stands ready to provide support and collaboration to these projects. The development of these corridors will foster economic growth, reduce congestion on roads, and provide climate-friendly transportation alternatives for travelers.

Benefits of Federal Investment:
Amit Bose, the Federal Railroad Administration Administrator, emphasized that these investments align with President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda. The funding will support transformative rail projects that offer convenient and sustainable alternatives to congested roads and airports. Bose stated, “Today’s investments in passenger rail nationwide… are another step forward as we expand and modernize our country’s rail network, providing more Americans the world-class passenger rail they need and deserve.” The grants will contribute to faster travel times, enhanced reliability, and expanded service, ultimately benefiting passengers and communities nationwide.


The recent federal funding of over $2.1 billion for Amtrak and its partners represents a significant milestone in the advancement of passenger rail service across America. With a focus on infrastructure upgrades, station enhancements, and the development of new intercity passenger rail corridors, these grants will pave the way for improved connectivity, economic growth, and sustainable transportation options. As Amtrak continues to expand its network and collaborate with states and local communities, the future of passenger rail travel in the United States looks brighter than ever.

The Projects:

  • Chicago Union Station (CUS) Projects – (two grants totaling up to $93.6 million)

Chicago is the hub of Amtrak’s National Network. Every day, dozens of Long Distance and State Supported trains start or end their routes at CUS. Two separate grants will advance elements of the Chicago Hub Improvement Program (CHIP), Amtrak’s multi-phased project to revitalize CUS and revolutionize Midwest passenger rail.

These grants will help improve the customer experience for Amtrak and Metra customers by funding renovation and expansion of the station platforms, improving passenger access and capacity, bringing the platforms into compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, and improving ventilation systems and air quality. This work also includes repurposing platforms designed for mail handling that have been unused since 2005, enabling their use for passengers and supporting long-term rail service expansion across the Midwest.

  • Malta, Mont. Corridor Operational Enhancement Project (up to $14.9 million)

This project will improve Empire Builder service by eliminating critical bottlenecks that cause delays and operational conflicts for freight and passenger trains. The work involves final design and construction activities for track, bridge, signal and other rail infrastructure improvements on BNSF tracks that Amtrak’s Long Distance service operates on in the Malta, Mont. area and at the Malta Amtrak Station.

In addition to these three grants, multiple partners also received funding through this program to upgrade tracks and bridges that Amtrak trains operate on, which will help to improve reliability and reduce travel times. Additionally, Amtrak congratulates Brightline West and the California High Speed Rail Authority for their successful grant applications to build high speed rail projects that will expand intercity rail options and could interface with Amtrak’s network in the future.

CORRIDOR ID PROGRAM (each award up to $500,000)

This comprehensive intercity passenger rail planning and development program created by the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act is designed to help guide intercity passenger rail development throughout the United States and create a pipeline of intercity passenger rail projects ready for implementation.

The FRA awarded grant funding to all four applications Amtrak submitted. Another 65 applications submitted by other entities also received funding. This funding could support development of a scope, schedule, and cost estimate for preparing, completing, or documenting related service development plans.

Amtrak-Led Grants

  • Texas High-Speed Rail Corridor

This proposed corridor would connect Dallas and Houston, Texas, with a new, dedicated and grade separated high-speed passenger rail service. This would provide new service on a new alignment, with station stops in Dallas, Brazos Valley and Houston.

  • Long Island Northeast Regional Extension

This proposed corridor would extend three existing daily Northeast Regional round trips between Washington, DC and New York City east to Ronkonkoma, NY, with stops at Jamaica (Queens, NY) and Hicksville, NY. This would entail track, station and infrastructure upgrades to accommodate these trains and better integrate Amtrak service with Long Island Rail Road commuter service.

  • Daily Cardinal Service

This proposed corridor would increase Cardinal service to operate daily, versus three days per week currently. This route operates between New York City and Chicago via Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, DC, Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana.

  • Daily Sunset Limited Service

This proposed corridor would increase Sunset Limited service to operate daily, versus three days per week currently. This route operates between Los Angeles and New Orleans via Houston, San Antonio and El Paso, Texas; Tucson, Ariz.; and other communities.

Other FRA Identified Corridors

Several of the 65 corridors submitted by other entities and selected by FRA will study improvements that would benefit existing State Supported, Long Distance and Northeast Regional services operated by Amtrak.

As America’s Railroad, Amtrak is uniquely positioned to support the proposed expansion of intercity passenger rail across the many corridors identified by the FRA. This includes more than 52 years of experience connecting communities across America, as well as strong teams dedicated to Network Planning, Capital Delivery and Service Delivery & Operations with employees located across the United States.

Earlier this year, the FRA also awarded Amtrak nearly $10 billion for 12 projects of national significance across America’s busiest rail corridor, and another nearly $200 million through the CRISI grant program.

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  • Rod Washington

    Rod: A creative force, blending words, images, and flavors. Blogger, writer, filmmaker, and photographer. Cooking enthusiast with a sci-fi vision. Passionate about his upcoming series and dedicated to TNC Network. Partnered with Rebecca Washington for a shared journey of love and art.

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Rod: A creative force, blending words, images, and flavors. Blogger, writer, filmmaker, and photographer. Cooking enthusiast with a sci-fi vision. Passionate about his upcoming series and dedicated to TNC Network. Partnered with Rebecca Washington for a shared journey of love and art.

Urbanism

Amtrak’s Borealis Route: Turning a Profit in Record Time

Amtrak’s Borealis route between St. Paul and Chicago turns a profit in just 11 days, setting a new standard for state-supported lines.

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Borealis route

In a recent article published by Newsweek, it was reported that Amtrak’s new Borealis route between St. Paul and Chicago achieved a remarkable feat by turning a profit in just 11 days of operation. This achievement is particularly significant as it is one of the few state-supported lines within Amtrak’s network to do so.

The Borealis route managed to generate $600,000 in operating revenue during the month of May, while keeping operating expenses at $500,000. This resulted in a notable operating profit of $100,000 within a very short timeframe. The route, which officially launched on May 21, served a total of 6,600 passengers during its initial days of operation.

This success story highlights the potential for profitability and sustainability within the realm of rail transportation, showcasing the demand for efficient and reliable intercity travel options. The rapid profitability of the Borealis route not only reflects well on Amtrak’s strategic expansion efforts but also underscores the importance of investing in and improving public transportation infrastructure.

As Amtrak continues to innovate and adapt to changing travel demands, the success of the Borealis route serves as a testament to the viability of rail travel as a competitive and lucrative mode of transportation. The positive reception and financial performance of this new route signal a promising future for Amtrak and the broader landscape of rail transportation in the United States.

For further insights and comments on this remarkable achievement, Newsweek has reached out to Amtrak for additional information. Stay tuned for updates on this groundbreaking development in the world of rail travel.

Read the article in Newsweek titled New US Rail Route Makes Profit in Less Than Two Weeks. The piece dives into the remarkable success story of a newly inaugurated rail route that has managed to break even and move into profitability in a surprisingly short span. It explores the factors contributing to this rapid financial turnaround, such as the strategic planning, advanced technology implemented, high passenger demand, and efficiency in operations. Additionally, the article provides insights from industry experts and passengers, shedding light on the broader implications for the future of rail transportation in the United States. For an in-depth understanding, visit https://www.newsweek.com/new-us-rail-route-makes-profit-less-two-weeks-1922298.


For more articles about transportation in the US and abroad, visit our Urbanism section of STM Daily News. You’ll find a wealth of information on the latest developments in urban planning, sustainable transportation initiatives, and innovative mobility solutions. Stay informed about how cities are evolving to accommodate growing populations and new technologies. https://stmdailynews.com/category/the-bridge/urbanism/

Authors

  • Rod Washington

    Rod: A creative force, blending words, images, and flavors. Blogger, writer, filmmaker, and photographer. Cooking enthusiast with a sci-fi vision. Passionate about his upcoming series and dedicated to TNC Network. Partnered with Rebecca Washington for a shared journey of love and art.

    View all posts
  • Daily News Staff

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Lifestyle

Convenient and Cost-Saving Visitor Toll Pass™ Program Now at Orlando International Airport Terminals

Visitor Toll Pass is the first of its kind in the U.S. and was created to enhance the visitor experience in Central Florida, the No. 1 travel destination in the country with more than 200 miles of local toll roads.

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Are you tired of expensive toll fees when renting a car in Orlando? The Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX) has exciting news for visitors to the Sunshine State! The Visitor Toll Pass™ program is now available at all terminals of Orlando International Airport (MCO), offering significant savings of up to 80% on toll fees compared to traditional rental car programs.

Visitor Toll Pass Kiosk at Orlando International Airport
VTP Kiosk

The Visitor Toll Pass

What makes the Visitor Toll Pass™ stand out is its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. By using this temporary toll pass, travelers can enjoy the lowest toll rates across Florida without worrying about hidden fees or extra charges. With just a few easy steps, visitors can set up their pass through the free Visitor Toll Pass app, available on both Google Play and the Apple App Store. The app provides straightforward instructions for creating a reservation, entering trip and rental car details, and enabling notifications for trip and toll updates.

Upon arrival at MCO, visitors can conveniently pick up their pass at any of the designated locations in Terminals A, B, or C. By declining the rental car company’s toll program and adding their rental car license plate number to the app, travelers can attach the pass to their rearview mirror and hit the road hassle-free. At the end of their trip, customers can easily return the toll pass to one of the 14 drop boxes scattered throughout the airport, with all toll charges billed directly to their credit card associated with the pass.

The Visitor Toll Pass™ program is a game-changer for visitors to Central Florida, the premier travel destination in the U.S. With over 200 miles of local toll roads, this innovative toll pass is designed to enhance the overall visitor experience and make travel more convenient and affordable.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to save on toll fees and streamline your rental car experience in Orlando. Embrace the ease and cost-effectiveness of the Visitor Toll Pass™ program and enjoy a stress-free journey through the Sunshine State!

Source: Central Florida Expressway Authority

http://cfxway.com/

Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.

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News

Pushback in Gilbert: Residents Question New Community Preservation Ordinance

Gilbert residents challenge “Community Preservation Ordinance” for Fourth Amendment violations. Backlash grows over privacy concerns. #GilbertPushback

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Gilbert, Arizona
Downtown Gilber, Arizona. By Cygnusloop99 – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7769358

Gilbert, Arizona

In a surprising move, the Town of Gilbert has introduced a controversial Community Preservation Ordinance aimed at maintaining cleanliness in residents’ front and backyards. This ordinance grants the town council the authority to issue fines of up to $500 for violations such as dead grass, debris accumulation, and non-functional vehicles on properties.

However, this decision has sparked significant backlash among Gilbert residents who argue that the ordinance infringes upon their constitutional rights, specifically the Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. The community members emphasize that the ordinance grants the town intrusive powers to inspect and penalize based on subjective standards of cleanliness, raising concerns about privacy and government overreach.

Many residents have voiced their displeasure at town meetings, through social media, and in local news outlets. They argue that the ordinance is not only an overreach of governmental powers but also an unnecessary burden on homeowners who may already be struggling with financial or health issues that prevent them from maintaining their properties to the town’s standards. Others worry that such fines could disproportionately affect elderly or disabled residents who might not have the means or physical capability to comply with the ordinance.

In addition to concerns over privacy and financial strain, some residents feel that the ordinance is too ambiguously worded, leaving too much room for subjective interpretation by enforcement officers. This ambiguity, they argue, could lead to inconsistent application of the rules and potential favoritism or bias.

On the other hand, supporters of the ordinance argue that it is essential for maintaining the town’s aesthetic appeal and property values. They believe that well-maintained front and backyards contribute to the overall quality of life in the community and prevent the decline of neighborhoods. Some supporters also suggest that the ordinance could encourage residents to take greater pride in their homes and surroundings, fostering a sense of community and mutual respect.

Despite the controversy, the town council has moved forward with implementing the ordinance, pledging to review its impact and make adjustments as necessary. They have also promised to take residents’ concerns into account by creating a transparent process for reporting and addressing violations, as well as offering assistance programs for those who may need help mowing their lawns or removing debris.

As the Town of Gilbert navigates this contentious issue, it remains to be seen how the Community Preservation Ordinance will affect the community in the long term. Will it lead to a cleaner, more vibrant town as intended, or will it create further divisions and resentment among residents who feel their rights are being trampled? Only time will tell.

Discover the 12news article: ‘Violation of the Fourth Amendment’: Gilbert residents challenge an ordinance allowing the town to issue citations for backyard clutter


As author Chase Golightly delves into this contentious issue, it becomes clear that Gilbert residents are not willing to compromise their rights in the name of neighborhood aesthetics. The debate over the balance between property upkeep and individual liberties is intensifying, with residents voicing their discontent and pushing back against what they perceive as an overreach of government authority.

Residents have organized town hall meetings and formed advocacy groups to rally against the ordinance, emphasizing that their constitutional rights should not be sacrificed for the sake of uniformity in the appearance of their homes. Many argue that the government’s regulations infringe upon their Fourth Amendment rights, which protect against unreasonable searches and seizures. Homeowners assert that they should have the autonomy to decide how to maintain their properties without undue interference.

The local government, on the other hand, maintains that the ordinance is necessary to preserve property values and ensure that the community remains attractive and well-maintained. They argue that the ordinance benefits all residents by preventing the deterioration of neighborhood standards, which can lead to declining property values and increased crime rates. The officials insist that they are acting within their legal rights to enforce the regulations and that they have taken steps to accommodate residents’ concerns by providing exemptions and a grace period for compliance.

As the tension between the residents and the government escalates, the situation in Gilbert has garnered attention beyond the town’s borders. Legal experts and civil rights organizations have begun to weigh in on the issue, examining the potential repercussions of the ordinance and its enforcement. This has sparked a broader conversation about the limits of governmental power and the importance of protecting individual freedoms in the face of community standards.

Stay tuned as the town of Gilbert navigates through this dilemma of community standards versus constitutional rights, and as residents continue to advocate for their freedoms in the face of the ordinance’s enforcement. The outcome of this debate could set a significant precedent for similar disputes in communities across the nation. #GilbertCommunityPreservation #FourthAmendmentConcerns #ResidentAdvocacy

https://stmdailynews.com/category/stories-this-moment

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