California Ushers in New Rail Age

A new rail age is dawning in California, thanks to high-speed rail; BART's impending "fleet of the future"; and more, says Projjal Dutta, director of sustainability at NYC's MTA. If successful, this will mean a major reduction of car use and sprawl.

1 minute read

August 14, 2013, 10:00 AM PDT

By NicoleFerraro


"High-speed rail was a signature Obama transportation policy during his first term, but many of the 13 projects that were signed up to receive funding have fallen by the wayside....However (and despite Elon Musk's claims about Hyperloop's superiority), the good stars lined up for the California High Speed Rail (CHSR)."

Furthermore: "Bay Area Rapid Transit is in the midst of a large procurement process for new train sets, which it is calling the Fleet of the Future."

And: "SF Muni, which operates the famous cable cars in San Francisco and the extensive bus and streetcar system within the city limits, is also in the midst of a capital expansion program. So is LA Metro, the organization bringing mass transit to Los Angeles... Even smaller jurisdictions like San Diego are revitalizing their trolley lines, creating an unprecedented rail renaissance in California."

Tuesday, August 13, 2013 in Future Cities

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