"With more than 70 years of population growth, economic development, and technological advancement, regional intercity travel has been left to decay. Before leaping ahead to “ultra high-speed ground transportation” for the region, it might be worthwhile to reinforce the slower train which already exists…For travelers, each…barrier…to taking the train provides additional reasons to drive or fly instead." https://www.theurbanist.org/2023/01/21/in-2023-cascadia-rail-could-take-lessons-from-1953/

"The top rail official from the Biden administration said Friday that many state transportation departments need to beef up the number and expertise of the staff they have who handle rail projects, especially as the federal government looks to expand passenger service across the country." https://www.route-fifty.com/infrastructure/2023/01/state-governments-railroad-expertise-gap/382034/

"It's finally happening: Amtrak has kicked off the process of replacing bi-level Superliner equipment in long-distance service nationwide, issuing a request-for-information (RFI) to industry last month with a goal of getting a contracted procurement underway before the end of the year." https://railpassengers.org/happening-now/news/blog/superliner-replacement-process-kicks-off/

This "mobility pyramid" is missing intercity non-car options like trains and buses.

Rail Passengers Association updated their in-house timetables page - which now includes select VIA Rail Canada routes. https://www.railpassengers.org/resources/amtrak-timetables/

"Highlights from the [Amtrak Third Annual Diversity Report] include: Hiring more than 3,700 new employees in line with the company’s broader goal to recruit individuals that reflect the diversity of Amtrak’s customers and the communities it serves." https://www.railwayage.com/passenger/intercity/amtrak-releases-third-annual-diversity-report/

"Unlike previous support from Washington, the landmark 2021 Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act encourages leaders at the local level to take initiative." https://www.hsrail.org/blog/local-leaders-take-initiative-statewide-train-service-wisconsin

Rail passengers between Vancouver and Seattle, Wash., will be able to take advantage of a second daily round-trip on the Amtrak Cascades train.
Amtrak suspended the route for more than two years at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and resumed limited service with a single daily trip in September.
On Friday, it confirmed that it would add a second daily trip — restoring pre-pandemic service levels — starting March 7. https://globalnews.ca/news/9409988/amtrak-cascades-second-round-trip/

"The ability to capitalize on this moment of inflection depends on the House and Senate’s ability to collaborate and pass bipartisan legislation to meet the needs of the American people. Over the next two years, Congress should work together to increase funding for projects that advance mobility choice (i.e. rail, transit, and active transportation) while also addressing important issues of safety, equity, and reducing emissions." https://arr.as/1