Passenger Rail
New FTA Grant Funds Railcar Replacement
The Rail Vehicle Replacement Program supports new equipment purchases for subway, commuter rail, and light rail systems.
‘Train Daddy’ Andy Byford to Oversee Amtrak’s High-Speed Rail Efforts
Byford, who formerly ran NYC Transit and Transport for London, could bring renewed vigor to the agency’s plans to expand regional rail in the United States.
Amtrak Reveals New, Faster Airo Trains
Trains on at least 14 intercity routes will be replaced with a fuel-efficient model with top speeds of 125 mph.
Ohio Debates Expanded Rail Service
The state has the chance to apply for a piece of $2.3 billion in federal funding to improve and expand Amtrak service.
$4.3 Billion for Amtrak Expected to Modernize Stations and Trains
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 has provided funding for Amtrak to make some sorely needed improvements throughout the system.
Passenger Rail Could Return to the Gulf Coast
Although the details of the deal remain murky, Amtrak and the freight companies that share tracks in the region have agreed to restore passenger train service east of New Orleans.
Hudson Tunnel Project To Move Forward
After facing a series of setbacks, the plan to rehabilitate and expand train tunnels under the Hudson River is moving forward thanks to new federal support.
Virginia Amtrak Ridership Soars Above Pre-Pandemic Levels
The four state-managed Amtrak lines are seeing increases of as much as 65 percent in ridership.
New Rail Line Connects D.C. Area to Dulles Airport
The Silver Line extends passenger train service into Loudon County and adds new connections to the region’s airports.
The California High-Speed Rail Project Illustrates America’s Transit Issues
Slow progress and a bloated budget have plagued the High-Speed Rail project linking San Francisco to Los Angeles, exposing deeper issues with American transit projects.
Minnesota Republicans Kill Passenger Rail, Freeway Cap Projects
Republicans in the Minnesota State Senate blocked the planning of a proposed passenger rail route between Duluth and the Twin Cities in addition to a plan for a freeway cap in a historically Black neighborhood in St. Paul.
Railroad Merger Would Add Service Between Detroit and Toronto
An agreement between two rail companies would create a connection between Michigan and Ontario, improve passenger rail service in the Midwest, and add new lines in Louisiana and Texas.
What States Can Learn From the Success of Maine's Downeaster Train
As Amtrak gears up to plan expansion projects supported by new federal funding, states can take some advocacy lessons from Maine's popular Downeaster train.
D.C. Transit Agencies Ready to Serve Returning Commuters
The region's transit providers are gearing up to provide enhanced service, shorter headways, and reduced or free fares as more people return to public transportation.
Sound Transit Facing Major Budget Shortfall for Light Rail Projects
Since voters approved a measure expanding Seattle's light rail network, construction and land costs have soared, adding billions to the projected price tag.
Northeast Corridor Improvement Plan Would Speed Up Rail Connections
The proposal would fund over 150 projects aimed at improving passenger rail service and speeding up travel times.
French Company Proposes New Sleeper Train Network
After many European train operators eliminated their unprofitable sleeper car services, a renewed interest in overnight rail travel has led to a boom in private sleeper train networks.
Maryland Looks to Replace Reconstruction-Era Train Tunnel
The 148-year old tunnel, which slows trains to 30 miles per hour, is the biggest bottleneck between Washington, D.C. and New Jersey.
How Virginia Became a Leader in Passenger Rail
The state's consistent investment in passenger rail has resulted in one of the nation's most effective regional rail networks.
Report: Collapsed Mexico City Train Line Had Major Structural Flaws
A New York Times investigation uncovered years of government documents showing that officials ignored warnings about major structural flaws and poorly performed work on the train line before its fatal collapse in May.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
Smith Gee Studio
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
