The Revival of Amtrak’s Sunset Limited Train Line:
Amtrak’s Sunset Limited train line, which currently operates between Los Angeles and New Orleans, plays a vital role in this project. By routing the Sunset Limited through Phoenix, the nation’s largest city without intercity passenger train service, Arizona aims to bridge the gap in its transportation infrastructure. Currently, the train has stops in various states, including California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Louisiana. However, it falls short of reaching Phoenix, with Maricopa being the nearest stop, approximately 40 miles to the south. The reintroduction of Amtrak service to Phoenix would mark the revival of a rail connection that was discontinued in 1996.

Benefits for Arizona:
The Phoenix-Tucson passenger rail project holds immense promise for Arizona, both economically and environmentally. Representative Stanton, a strong advocate for this initiative, highlighted the advantages during a House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearing. Connecting the state’s two largest cities by passenger rail would enhance accessibility, productivity, and economic opportunities for the communities along the route. By easing congestion and reducing air pollution caused by traffic on Interstate 10, this rail service would be a sustainable alternative for commuters and travelers.

Economic Opportunities and Regional Development:
As numerous communities across the country have experienced, the introduction of passenger rail brings a wave of new economic opportunities. Arizona, thus far, has been unable to tap into these benefits. However, with the allocation of federal funds and the state’s contribution of $3.5 million, the planning phase for the Phoenix-Tucson rail project is underway. This phase includes developing a comprehensive cost estimate, addressing route logistics, and evaluating the necessary infrastructure enhancements. By investing in this much-needed transportation link, Arizona can unlock the potential for increased tourism, job growth, and business development in the region.

The allocation of federal funds for reestablishing passenger rail service between Phoenix and Tucson marks a significant milestone in Arizona’s pursuit of improved transportation connectivity. With strong local and state support, the Phoenix-Tucson rail project has the potential to revolutionize mobility within the state. By linking the two largest cities, this initiative will foster economic growth, alleviate traffic congestion, and contribute to a greener and more sustainable future. As the planning phase progresses, Arizona stands poised to embrace the economic opportunities and enhanced quality of life that passenger rail service can bring.

Story in Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/waynerash/2021/07/28/amtrak-announces-plan-to-begin-passenger-service-between-tucson-phoenix-and-la/?sh=1abacad61793

https://www.amtrak.com/sunset-limited-train

https://stmdailynews.com/category/the-bridge/urbanism/

In response to the recent closure of a crucial section of the I-10 freeway in downtown Los Angeles, Metrolink has stepped up to provide expanded weekday service along the San Bernardino Line. This measure aims to ensure that travel from the Inland Empire to downtown Los Angeles remains accessible during the closure period. The closure, caused by fire damage, has significantly affected the daily commute of over 300,000 vehicles. Governor Gavin Newsom estimates that repairs will take 3-5 weeks.

Expanded Service:
Starting November 14, Metrolink will introduce four extra trains in each direction, with three in the morning and one in the afternoon, connecting L.A. Union Station and the Covina Station. These trains will make stops at all stations in between. Additionally, an evening train will run between L.A. Union Station and the Rancho Cucamonga Station. To accommodate the increased demand, extra passenger cars will be added to San Bernardino Line trains.

Benefits for Travelers:
Metrolink’s additional service on the San Bernardino Line will greatly alleviate traffic congestion caused by the freeway closure. It provides a safe and convenient alternative for travelers who need to reach downtown Los Angeles. Moreover, Metrolink ticketholders can enjoy free connections to most local public transit services, including all LA Metro bus and rail lines.

Metrolink’s proactive response to the I-10 freeway closure demonstrates its commitment to supporting commuters and ensuring their access to downtown Los Angeles. By expanding service on the San Bernardino Line and offering free connections to other public transit options, Metrolink aims to minimize the impact of the closure on travelers and alleviate traffic congestion. This temporary measure will provide a reliable and convenient transportation solution until the freeway repairs are completed. https://metrolinktrains.com/news/metrolink-news/metrolink-expands-service-on-san-bernardino-line-to-support-travelers-impacted-by-i-10-freeway-closure/

• Edmonton Valley Line Southeast LRT opened for passenger service on November 4, 2023
• Features 11 street-level stops along 13 km connecting downtown Edmonton to Mill Woods
• 26 Canadian-built 100% low-floor light rail vehicles (LRV) serve the new line
• Key partner in providing operations and maintenance of the full system until 2050
• Project demonstrating Alstom’s Turnkey and Services unmatched leadership and expertise

Edmonton, Alberta – Alstom, global leader in smart and green mobility, celebrates the November 4 launch of the new Edmonton Valley Line Southeast Light Rail Transit (LRT). This project was delivered by TransEd, a consortium comprised of Alstom, along with Bechtel, EllisDon and Fengate, contributing to the enhanced connectivity of Edmonton’s residents today and for the future. The city is expecting it to serve about 30,000 riders per day.

Under this partnership, Alstom played a pivotal role in the design, supply, installation and testing and commissioning of the LRVs, signalling, communications, power supply and distribution, overhead catenary system, and related depot equipment, as well as system integration. This turnkey project is a Public-Private Partnership (P3) that includes a now completed design-build stage, and an operation and maintenance (O&M) commitment extending until 2050.

“Alstom is proud to celebrate this important milestone with the City of Edmonton and our partners. We look forward to serving the citizens of Edmonton with a world-class LRT service for years to come.”

Michael Keroullé
President and CEO, Alstom Americas

Alstom assumes a majority share in the joint venture responsible for the O&M of the system for TransEd. This includes maintaining the complete fleet, tracks, catenary, stations, maintenance facility and all other elements of the system, as well as all aspects of operating the fleet including crew training and dispatching, control room management, customer service and passenger experience. A team of more than 125 experts is devoted to delivering exceptional services to the Edmontonians. Notably, this represents the first LRT system where Alstom is involved in the complete O&M scope of the system.

The 26 Flexity LRVs, each capable of carrying up to 275 passengers along the 13 km system, offer a 100 per cent low-floor design, ensuring easy access and a comfortable ride for all passengers. Step-free boarding is an important part of this enhanced passenger experience for persons with reduced mobility, wheelchairs, mobility aids and strollers.

Alstom takes pride in designing and assembling these vehicles in Canada, creating good-paying Canadian jobs. With 4,500 employees in Canada, including those in Edmonton, Alstom is committed to delivering safe and reliable mobility solutions while actively fostering local supply chains and regional economies.

Michael Keroullé, President and CEO, Alstom Americas said: “Alstom is proud to celebrate this important milestone with the City of Edmonton and our partners. We look forward to serving the citizens of Edmonton with a world-class LRT service for years to come.”

With more than 20 references in the world, Alstom has again demonstrated its turnkey and services capabilities to deliver, operate and maintain a new LRV system that has been designed, built and commissioned to be safely, efficiently and reliably operated in extreme weather conditions over decades of operation.

Alstom’s LRV product range is the reference for modern low-floor tram solutions. It is at the heart of many urban renewal projects around the world, offering an improved passenger experience, driver ergonomics, low energy consumption and optimized life cycle costs. About 8,000 Alstom trams and LRVs have been ordered or are already in revenue service, in more than 140 cities around the world. In addition, these vehicles require four times less energy consumption than a bus, and 10 times less than a car, enabling cities to offer passengers the best options in sustainable mobility.

As the number one private operator in North America, Alstom offers best-in-class train operation solutions, including both fully automated and manual operations, with train crew and station staff, ticketing, and scheduling. Alstom offers scalable maintenance solutions for the entire railway system, including rolling stock, signalling, as well as railway and civil infrastructure. Alstom’s North America references include more than 25 rail systems across the United States and Canada. Its comprehensive services portfolio also includes modernization, parts, repairs, overhauls, and digital and support services

Alstom™ and Flexity™ are protected trademarks of the Alstom Group.

Source: Alstom

https://www.alstom.com/press-releases-news/2023/11/alstom-and-partners-celebrate-launch-edmonton-valley-line-southeast-lrt