Transportation advocates are calling for expanded rail service to the east, but studies indicate the needed infrastructure improvements would be pricey.

Ed Blazina reports on the possibility of expanding passenger rail service from Pittsburgh. "Over the years, efforts to increase service from Pittsburgh have ebbed and flowed with studies from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and other groups periodically estimating the cost of more train service. But little has actually happened."
PennDOT is negotiating a new study with Norfolk Southern, notes Blazina. Prior studies have shown that service expansions would come with a hefty price tag. For example, a study completed in June looking at increasing service from Pittsburgh to Altoona to the east would require $1.2 billion for track and station improvements and an additional $3.7 billion if a third track is part of the plan.
Transportation advocates say the projected figures are too high and additional service could be put into place for much less. They also argue that service expansions should focus on broader service areas and connections between large job centers, such as Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.
FULL STORY: Advocates continue pushing for more passenger rail service from Pittsburgh to the east

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
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North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project
The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.

A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard
After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.

Houston Mayor Promises Dedicated Austin Street Bike Lane After Public Backlash
Although the one-way bike lane won’t be protected by physical barriers, the proposal is an improvement over the mayor’s initial plan to only include sharrows on the Austin Street project.
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