Federal HSR dollars delivered to Wisconsin

The FRA announced yesterday that nearly $80 million, of the $8 billion allocated to high speed rail, was distributed to states. As far as the Midwest is concerned, Wisconsin received "$5,700,000 for environmental assessments of planned new stations on the route between Milwaukee and Madison, Wisconsin that will host passenger rail service operating at speeds up to 110mph."

Have a great Memorial Day Weekend!

Local student wins Amtrak Video Contest

Congrats to DePaul student, Paul Hennessey, who's music video won Amtrak's "best original train travel-related video" contest. Paul's video and the 2nd place entry can be seen below. On a separate note, kudos to Amtrak on the good looking user interface of this video player.

Sect LaHood on Japanese HSR test track

Yesterday, May 11th, Secretary LaHood experienced 312 mph on the test track of a Japanese maglev train. The secretary voiced the U.S. government's commitment to further developing passenger rail, while creating jobs at home.

$4 Billion for HSR in 2011

Our own Rick Harnish was on hand yesterday in Washington DC to support the call for the federal government to dedicate $4 billion towards high speed rail in 2011 and beyond. Please visit FourBillion.com to easily ask your legislators to support this measure.

photo courtesy of Transportation For America


*official press release

National Train Day in Chicago and Amtrak's CEO

Today was National Train Day across the country and here in Chicago. A commitment from IL Gov Pat Quinn to HSR in the Midwest, flowing through Chicago, and strong attendance marked the day's event at Union Station -- see below


Meanwhile, this past Thursday, May 6th, Amtrak CEO, Joseph Boardman appeared on Fox Business to reaffirm Amtrak's role in the national transportation landscape.