Via strike averted
Take: Really good news for Canadians as the summer season is about to get into full gear.
Brunswick-Rockland line's future to be decided soon
Take #1: This is a bit troubling and unfortunate for Maine Eastern. I hope that the passenger requirement remains in place if another operator runs service between the two cities.
Take #2: Depending on who gets the 59-mile line, the ME DOT should partner the new freight operator (not named Pan Am Railways) with an independent passenger entity. The problem with this model is that it would be better off being done with regional routes or in a large state like Texas (and it's something that Congress may want to consider).
Take #3: This brings me to my final point on this topic, if a shortline holding company like Iowa Pacific or Watco bids, then, there would be no need for the previous scenario to take place since the new railroad would simply take over for Maine Eastern. Otherwise, it just makes sense if the Pan Am-Amtrak partnership is further extended east.
Miami's airport station further delayed
Take: This is what a lack of communication can do to a grand project. Besides costs, All Aboard Florida's plan to build a downtown station may force Central Station to take a backseat--even if corridor service and/or additional Amtrak trains call it home.
All Aboard Florida clears another hurdle
Take: Good to see that the controversy with the Mormon Church is behind AAF. The real final hurdle is finding a way to enter Orlando International Airport.
The way I see it is that AAF will have to get FAA approval for the variance of rules for runway obstruction. That is the last hurdle. But with what I believe to be strong support from Florida's congressional delegation, this should be pretty easy to overcome. The GOAA wants AAF to be there, so the airport authority will do what it has to. Even if that means raising landing fees to pay for,the parking garage that will support AAF. At this point, I don't really see anything stoping AAF from becoming a reality in 2-3 years. If anything, I see AAF helping the cause of HSR in this country by being able to show critics how HrSR can be successful if properly done.
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