The agency wants to upgrade infrastructure and fix ‘long-standing deficiencies’ in its Chicago-area operations.
Reporting for Trains.com, Bob Johnston outlines Amtrak’s proposed plan to upgrade its Chicago-area infrastructure. “Amtrak is seeking more than $200 million in federal funding, along with money from state and local sources, in an attempt to fix a series of long-standing deficiencies, capacity limitations, and how trains from the south and east enter Chicago.”
Johnston lists the projects that would be funded under this request, including: direct access from the St. Charles Airline to Chicago Union Station to eliminate a time-consuming maneuver that some trains are currently forced to make, “property acquisition for storage and displaced service functions,” and the ‘reactivation’ of Chicago’s Union Station mail platform, among other interconnected projects. Some of the projects are speculative, such as a proposal to acquire Canadian National’s Lakefront Line.
FULL STORY: Amtrak unveils infrastructure plan to transform Chicago operations
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Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
How to Make US Trains Faster
Changes to boarding platforms and a switch to electric trains could improve U.S. passenger rail service without the added cost of high-speed rail.
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Invasive Insect Threatens Minnesota’s Ash Forests
The Emerald Ash Borer is a rapidly spreading invasive pest threatening Minnesota’s ash trees, and homeowners are encouraged to plant diverse replacement species, avoid moving ash firewood, and monitor for signs of infestation.
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