“UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak proclaims the primacy of drivers
‘We are a nation of drivers’
Those who don’t own cars, or can’t, or choose not to drive, are second class citizens” https://cityobservatory.org/britains-caste-system-of-transportation/ #Cars #WarOnCars #Transportation

Armchair travel and carbon passports: Experts predict dystopian future if we don’t cut emissions now https://www.euronews.com/travel/2023/10/05/armchair-travel-and-carbon-passports-experts-predict-dystopian-future-if-we-dont-cut-emiss #Travel #Carbon

Manufacturer #Alstom…has not received federal approval for a computer model that shows they are safe to proceed with testing on Northeast Corridor tracks. Alstom has produced at least 14 different iterations of the computer modeling, the inspector general found, and none have met federal requirements. Until that step is complete, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) won’t allow testing and the new rail cars can’t carry passengers. https://www.washingtonpost.com/transportation/2023/10/03/amtrak-acela-trains-delay-audit/ #PassengerRail #Acela

To Help Save the Planet, Take the ‘Week Without Driving’ Challenge https://usa.streetsblog.org/2023/09/29/to-help-save-the-planet-take-the-week-without-driving-challenge #weekwithoutdriving

“When it comes to climate, the goal of good transportation policy must be to make it easier to complete projects that reduce emissions and more difficult to complete projects that increase emissions. That means inverting how much we fund different modes of transportation, so that transit, active transportation, and passenger rail projects get the majority of funds, instead of highways.” https://t4america.org/2023/09/27/inverting-the-iijas-double-standard/ #Transportation #ClimateChange

https://www.governing.com/transportation/new-colorado-rail-service-could-come-down-to-politics-and-timing

“An eminent domain case moving through U.S. District Court has put a spotlight on the ownership and management of Union Station…Amtrak is seeking possession of the station’s leasing rights — now controlled by a private company — to advance long-planned improvements. The case highlights the complexities of a station governance structure in place since the 1980s, which includes federal, nonprofit and private entities. “ https://wapo.st/3sY4EWv #Amtrak #PassengerRail #DC #UnionStation

“Two years after the infrastructure law began pumping $66 billion into the nation’s aging rail network, domestic passenger railroads are showing their greatest signs of strength in generations. Amtrak’s singular grip on transporting U.S. rail passengers is slipping as private companies, states and the federal government look to fast trains as environmentally friendly alternatives to traffic-clogged highways.” #PassengerRail #Brightline https://www.washingtonpost.com/transportation/2023/08/30/amtrak-brightline-high-speed-rail/