RUN 2025 Fall Conference Preview
At its fall online conference on Friday, Nov. 14, the Rail Users’ Network (RUN) will observe 25 years of advocating for an improved Amtrak, more rail transi, and better connections between the
Author: David Peter Alan
Commentary
A Ride on MBTA’s South Coast Rail
Usually when passenger service on a rail line is discontinued, it never comes back, but there have been some exceptions. One is the MBTA’s South Coast Rail “line,” in the shape of
Commentary
LRT Conference Focuses on Change, Innovation, Technology
On Oct. 1 and 2, Railway Age and Railway Track & Structures held the annual Light Rail Conference. This year’s event took place in Pittsburgh, and it focused on responding to change
Commentary
Brightline Loses Nearly $550MM in 2024, but Keeps on Going
There is a lot happening at Brightline Florida, the nation’s only private-sector intercity passenger railroad, which runs essentially hourly service between downtown Miami and Orlando International Airport (MCO). While we ran a
Commentary
PRT Also Gets Two-Year Reprieve
On Sept. 23, we reported on the funds transfer to operations that gave the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) and its riders in and around Philadelphia a two-year reprieve. The agency came
Commentary
SEPTA’s Faustian Bargain
Philadelphia’s SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) is again operating its former level of service, despite recent threats of severe cutbacks. Riders are paying significantly more, but they are not forced to accept
Commentary
Vermont by Rail
When Amtrak was founded in 1971, there were no passenger trains running north of Massachusetts or the Empire Service line in New York State. The were no passenger trains at all in
Commentary
SEPTA: Drastic Service Cuts Begin, Deeper Cuts Planned for 2026 (UPDATED, 9/2)
Philadelphia has been able to boast many “firsts” in its history, including being the place where the United States was founded almost 250 years ago. Effective Aug. 24 and continuing on Sept.
Commentary
FEC, Brightline Fight in Court Over Rail Capacity
Earlier this month, we profiled Brightline, the only private-sector railroad that operates passenger trains (not counting tourist excursions) in the United States. The story—Brightline: Something Different on the Rails, which posted online
Commentary
Byford Pushes PSNY as Duffy Trashes Congestion Toll
As reporters checked in at the Metropolitan Lounge at the Moynihan Train Hall adjacent to Penn Station New York Aug. 27 for the inaugural ride on the NextGen Acela, they were asked