A proposed bill would tighten enforcement of a 1973 law that gives passenger trains priority over freight shipments.

“A new bill introduced in Congress by U.S. Reps. Chris Deluzio, D- Aspinwall, and Brendan Boyle, D- Philadelphia, aims to make American rail travel more efficient by giving Amtrak more leverage to force freight rail companies to follow the law — by getting out of the way.”
According to an article from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette republished in Mass Transit, Amtrak reports losing over one million minutes and more than $40 million in operating expenses and revenues due to freight interference.
The proposed bill, known as the Railroad Passenger Fairness Act, would strengthen enforcement of the existing Amtrak Improvement Act, a 1973 law that mandates that passenger rail get preference over freight but that contains weak enforcement mechanisms. “Unfortunately, decisions made decades ago by policymakers and corporations have reduced the nation's overall rail capacity, forcing the U.S. to decide which usage to prioritize. The 1973 Amtrak Improvement Act was meant to give passenger rail a fighting chance, after the federal government relieved rail companies from the responsibility to provide passenger services three years earlier.”
FULL STORY: PA: Editorial: The law says Amtrak gets priority over freight. It needs to be enforced

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

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.

Santa Barbara Could Build Housing on County Land
County supervisors moved forward a proposal to build workforce housing on two county-owned parcels.

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.
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