The North Carolina Dept. of Transportation released a report detailing updates to the state's rail infrastructure, ridership and some of the programming that has been done to reach out to communities along the track.
SRC applies for Federal Railroad Adminstration grant
The Southern Rail Commission is requesting $950,000 in FRA corridor planning funding for a $250,000 planning project – the Gulf Coast Passenger Rail Restoration Planning Project – to assess the feasibility of, infrastructure and intermodal needs for restoring suspended intercity passenger rail operations along the Gulf Coast. In the alternative, the Commission is interested in participating in the Federal Railroad Administration-led planning process for multi-state passenger rail networks. However, this application will address the criteria requested for corridor planning grants.
This study will analyze bringing daily service to the region, including considering the appropriate corridor length, the number of trains per day, the number of stops, and possible express service. It will also consider infrastructure improvements that improve on time performance and safety, such as station relocations, rail grade crossing improvements and intermodal connections. And to ensure the service is high quality, this grant will be used to study equipment needed, station rehabilitation, and platform improvements to meet ADA requirements.
Door still open for passenger rail between Baton Rouge and New Orleans
Despite opposition, New Orleans and Baton Rouge leaders continue to meet with the federal government to develop a passenger rail link between the two cities and allow workers easier access to the new and expanded plants along the Mississippi River.
An article by Mark Ballard for The Advocate takes a look at the history and potential ways forward.
Alabama governor announces Southern Rail Commission appointments
Alabama Governor Robert J. Bentley announced his appointments to the Southern Rail Commission effective August 1, 2014.
Current Commissioner, J.W. "Billy" McFarland, Jr. was named Bentley's designee for the Commission.
In this new role, McFarland will represent the Governor’s Administration at all Commission meetings and events, including business with the Federal Railroad Administration and other stakeholders in Washington, D.C. His appointment becomes effective August 1 and runs concurrently with the Governor’s term of office.
“It is a humbling honor to be given the opportunity to serve Governor Bentley as his designee. To be appointed to the same position my late father, Bill, held for many years is especially meaningful. I will work to advocate for enhanced passenger rail options that will improve public transportation, economic development and quality of life for the State of Alabama and the entire region,” McFarland said.
Additionally, Bentley reappointed Commissioners Greg White and Toby Bennington.
In addition to those re-appointments, Bentley named Larry Watts and Claire Austin as new Commissioners.
The Southern Rail Commission, an Interstate compact chartered by the United States Congress in June, 1982 (Public Law 97-213), is charged with advancing passenger rail planning, safety, and service implementation in the states of Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
Shreveport to Vicksburg Amtrak feasibility study under way
Associated Press
A 12-month study is finally underway to examine the feasibility of re-establishing Amtrak Passenger Rail Service from Shreveport-Bossier City to Vicksburg, Mississippi.
The study will be conducted by HNTB Corporation and will examine at the condition of existing railroad tracks between the cities, potential stops, hours of operation and the cost to operate the service.
Transportation for America outlines renewed strategic vision for the SRC
Transportation for America — the Southern Rail Commission's strategic partner — has outlined information about the genesis of the SRC and its vision for the future. Included in the presentation was a summary of recent rail-related legislation and how state elected officials voted in regards to those bills. It also includes a case study of Meridian, Mississippi explaining how rail can be a tool for civic revitalization and economic development.
Rail in 2050: The futurist's perspective
The Future of Rail infographic illustrates some of the many futuristic aspects to rail travel we may see in the future. (Arup)
In our ever-changing world, rail will become an increasingly important mode of transportation for the 75% of urban city residents. In their new report — Future of Rail 2050 — global design firm, Arup, offers their perspective on how rail technology will change in the next half century.
The return of private intercity passenger rail
A new train service between Miami and Orlando may become a model for the rest of the country
A rendering of All Aboard Florida's Miami Station. (All Aboard Florida)
According to an article in The Atlantic, it has been 30 years since a private intercity passenger rail has operated in the United States — and it has been even longer since a new private service was introduced.
Beginning in 2016, All Aboard Florida will run 32 departures a day between Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach, with service extending to Orlando.
In South Florida, around the three initial stations, the company will develop 4.2 million square feet of real estate. In Orlando, the terminus will be located at the airport and connect to a new commuter rail line at a sparkling, state-funded $215 million transportation hub.
SRC submits TIGER VI application
On Monday, April 28, the Southern Rail Commission submitted an application to the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) for $1,016,000 in TIGER funding. The funding would support a $1,270,000 planning project to assess the feasibility of and intermodal needs for restoring suspended intercity passenger rail operations to a daily service level along the Gulf Coast. This application was one of approximately 950 applications submitted to USDOT this round (no breakdown on planning versus capital applications are yet available). The application included 30 letters of support from elected leaders and stakeholders across the region Over the next month, we will work on bringing in additional support for the project and non-federal match.
SRC engages T4America for strategic consulting
The Southern Rail Commission is pleased to announce that it has engaged Transportation for America to provide strategic consulting services to help the Commission identify opportunities at the federal level to support expanded passenger rail service in the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. Transportation for America is an alliance of elected, business, and civic leaders from communities across the country, united to ensure that states and the federal government step up to invest in smart, homegrown, locally-driven transportation solutions.
“Transportation for America is a nationally-recognized leader in advising local and regional organizations on how to develop and advance transportation solutions that provide strong return on investment and spur economic growth,” said Knox Ross, SRC Chairman. “I am confident that this new partnership will help the SRC move passenger rail forward in the Southeast.”
Led by Chairman John Robert Smith, former Mayor of Meridian, MS and former Chairman of the Amtrak Board of Directors, Transportation for America brings a team of experts with years of experience working for the U.S. Department of Transportation, the U.S. Senate and House, and various local and regional transportation agencies.