Category: Light Rail / Commuter

UPDATE: Texas Central Railway CEO resigns, high-speed rail project has new life after court ruling

Jun 23rd, 2022

This story last updated June 24, 2022 The Texas Central Railway, seemingly on life support after its president resigned suddenly, may be back on track. The Texas Supreme Court ruled today (June 24) that the company may acquire land via eminent domain to build its high-speed line between Dallas and Houston. The ruling comes nearly six months after the court heard arguments again to support an appellate court’s decision that Texas Central is a railroad or interurban, which have rights to acquire private property for public use. The court supported the appellate court’s decision two years ago but reversed direction in 2021, leading to a second review. The time lapse between today’s decision and a series of recent events, including the June 13 resignation of Carlos Aguilar as CEO and president of Texas Central Partners, seemingly put the project in jeopardy. Aguilar cited an inability to get key players on…

Amtrak celebrates 50 years, focuses on expansion plans and new or improved rail corridors across U.S.

May 4th, 2021

Flanked by a few Amtrak locomotives, President Joe Biden and Amtrak executives paid homage to the past and shared Amtrak’s bold vision for the future on the 50th anniversary of the passenger railroad. Streamed live from Gray 30th Street Station in Philadelphia on April 30, the ceremony highlighted the remarkable contributions of Amtrak employees past and present as well as ambitious plans to expand and improve rail service for the future. “Today we have a once in a generation opportunity to position Amtrak, and rail, and intercity rail, as well in general to play a central role in our transformation of transportation and economic future,” President Biden said. CEO Bill Flynn, who has lobbied strongly for government funding since taking over leadership of the Amtrak in April 2020, said the railroad’s survival the next half-century depends on a long-term commitment. “America needs a rail network that offers frequent, reliable, sustainable…

DART’s Thomas named Outstanding Public Transportation Manager of the Year by APTA

Sep 7th, 2016

Gary Thomas, president/executive director of Dallas Area Rapid Transit, has been named Outstanding Public Transportation Manager of the Year by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). “I am honored to be recognized for doing what I love,” Thomas said. “DART is an integral part of the community, and it’s incredibly fulfilling to see how we are moving people connecting them with education, healthcare and career development.” Dallas Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson said Thomas’ “Contributions have helped North Texas become a national model for regional transportation collaboration.” Dallas Congressman Pete Sessions noted the “Federal Transit Administration regularly references DART’s projects for their innovation, service delivery, and project management.” Award recipients must have a proven track record for advancing the public transportation industry; demonstrate ability toward responsible, long-range planning; illustrate a disciplined-approach toward sustainable growth and expansion; and embrace innovative uses of technology, resources and collaboration to make public transit more accessible….

A-train officials hope recent ridership spike is preview of what’s to come along I-35

Mar 2nd, 2013

Denton Country Transportation Authority officials hope that increased ridership on the A-train that resulted in 3 percent growth for the agency October-December 2012 is a preview of what will come when construction starts later this year to widen I35 between Dallas and the Red River. According to a fiscal-year, first-quarter report released in February, ridership on the A-train improved 42 percent during the same period compared to the previous fiscal year. Also, ridership maintained its upward climb in January, with the A-train carrying 43 percent more than in January 2012. DCTA officials attribute the growth to recent service changes. In August, the agency added midday rail service closing the 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. gap in the schedule, as well as expanding Friday night and Saturday service. In January, a weekday evening southbound departure was added to the schedule to better serve university evening classes and later work schedules. “Our…

Fueled by higher Austin MetroRail ridership, Capital Metro outpacing U.S. mass transit

Jan 29th, 2013

AUSTIN, TX – With double the ridership on its light rail line, Austin’s Capital Metro closed out 2012 with a ridership increase that exceeds the nationwide pace of mass transportation growth. Capital Metro reported today that the agency posted ridership growth of 4.7 percent in 2012, almost double the increase for national public transportation. Capital Metro increased trips 1.5 million over 2011 to finish the year with more than 34 million boardings. Nationally, public transportation ridership increased by 2.6 percent during the first three quarters of 2012, according to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). MetroRail hit a milestone of its one millionth passenger trip, and ridership increased nearly 50 percent in 2012 over 2011. Ridership has increased in part due to extended evening service on Fridays and Saturdays, which is now averaging 2,200 trips per weekend. MetroRail ridership has tripled since service began in 2010. “We are attracting new…