FRA receives 278 pre-applications for HSR funding
While not all proposed projects can be funded, the U.S. Department of Transportation will work with states and regions to identify priorities and prepare for ongoing high-speed passenger rail development.
On Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood announced that the Federal Railroad Administration has received 278 pre-applications, totaling $102 billion, for the High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail competitive grant program. The money will come from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
"The response has been tremendous and shows that the country is ready for high-speed rail," Secretary LaHood said. "It's time to look beyond our highways and invest in public transportation services like rail, which will enhance regional mobility and reduce our carbon footprint."
Pre-applications by region:
Northeast
Total Number of Pre-applications Submitted: 79
Total Requested Funds: $35 billion
South/Southeast
Total Number of Pre-applications Submitted: 44
Total Requested Funds: $16 billion
Midwest
Total Number of Pre-applications Submitted: 47
Total Requested Funds: $13 billion
West
Total Number of Pre-applications Submitted: 108
Total Requested Funds: $38 billion
While not all proposed projects can be funded, the U.S. Department of Transportation (US DOT) will work with states and regions to identify priorities and prepare for ongoing high-speed passenger rail development.
The US DOT issued a strategic plan for high-speed rail in April 2009, followed by guidelines for states and groups of states to apply for the economic recovery money in June 2009. It expects to announce the first round of merit-based grants in the fall.
The final application deadline is August 24 for funding on individual projects and planning, and October 2 for corridor programs.
More Rail
Amtrak, CN Reach Agreements to Strengthen Passenger Rail Service, Safety
The agreement resolves a more than decade-long proceeding before the Surface Transportation Board concerning the terms and conditions for Amtrak services, such as the City of New Orleans, Illini/Saluki, and Wolverine.
Read More →
New York MTA Advances Final Contract for Second Avenue Subway Expansion
Contract Four is the largest in the Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 project and includes construction of station infrastructure, tracks, and signals for the subway expansion, MTA officials said. Work on Contract Four will begin in 2027.
Read More →
San Diego MTS Breaks Monthly Trolley Ridership Record
Agency officials said July’s ridership indicates MTS’s continued recovery from the pandemic.
Read More →
Report Examines NJ TRANSIT Reliability, Funding Challenges
The Garden State Initiative analysis examines the roles of Amtrak infrastructure, fleet management, and agency operations while recommending a more performance-based approach to improving reliability.
Read More →
Stadler, CapMetro Sign Long-Term Rail Fleet Support Agreement
Beginning in 2027, Stadler will provide on-site technical expertise, spare parts support, training, and obsolescence management to help extend the reliability and longevity of CapMetro’s GTW fleet.
Read More →
Biz Briefs: Alstom Lands Canadian Contract, LYT to Supply California TSP, and More
In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at recent news from Complete Coach Works, Beep, FlixBus, and more partnerships making headlines across the transportation sector.
Read More →
CATS Gold Line Marks 5 Years of Service, 2.8M Passenger Trips
With a six-mile expansion planned, the Charlotte streetcar is positioned to connect more neighborhoods and major transit hubs across the region.
Read More →
Why Simulating Pedestrian Movement Has Become Essential for Modern Rail Stations
Pedestrian microsimulation is helping rail planners identify bottlenecks, test station designs, and prepare complex transit hubs for growing passenger volumes.
Read More →
Amtrak Begins Major Construction at New York’s Sunnyside Yard
The new maintenance facility will support Amtrak’s Airo trainsets while improving maintenance efficiency and turnaround times in New York.
Read More →
Chicago Leaders Unveil Plans for O’Hare Airport Express Train
The privately developed project would offer a 15-minute trip between downtown and O’Hare’s Terminal 2, with trains operating every 15 minutes on a dedicated track. The service would use battery-electric trains and three existing freight rail rights-of-way.
Read More →