Tackling the Headlines 55

More curveballs in the Pine Tree State

Just when it looked as though passenger rail was entering a stage of stagnancy in Maine, these reports seemed to contradict previous stories.

Take: Two, count 'em, two operators who want to provide Montreal service are not waiting for D.C. to hand out more money to passenger rail. Given that they would operate at opposite ends of the day means that Northern New England travelers will have a really interesting choice that doesn't even involve the federally designated Boston-Montreal HSR corridor that will serve the heart of New Hampshire.

Raleigh gets $10 million federal grant to help build Union Station

Take: It's better than nothing--and the Amshack idea that was floating around early summer.

Orange Blossom Express update

It seems that Orlando's other commuter train service will take longer to launch.

Take: I thought that the railroad responsible for eventually dispatching the trains would have its ducks in a row.

Rail advocacy in Ontario

Three areas in Ontario--the northern, eastern (operating as one) and southwestern regions--that have seen passenger service reduced or eliminated have developed advocacy groups to promote increased train travel.

Take: This is a good idea given the negative impact of Canadian train service at the national and provincial levels over the last 15 months.