The Blog

T&I Bill Turns Clock Back 60 Years
February 02, 2012
Richard Harnish

The new transportation bill making its way through the U.S. House of Representatives is a delusional attempt to revive the transportation policies of the Eisenhower era. It is important that everyone who wants to walk, bike, or ride a bus or train make their opinion known this week. Help us make your voices heard!

A Tale of Rediscovery
December 06, 2011
F. K. Plous

Whenever somebody suggests a movie, book or television program with a railroad theme or setting I just know that at some point the work is going to get the railroading wrong. But in his new film "Hugo," Martin Scorsese doesn't commit any blunders. While the story isn't about trains, the trains and the vast station are used with care to further a story about the loss and recovery of reputation — and that in itself ought to give American rail advocates some grounds for reassurance and excitement...

In It For the Long Haul
November 21, 2011
Richard Harnish

Our opponents claimed victory last week, stating that Obama’s high-speed rail program is dead. Before you concede, remember that Congress appropriates funds every twelve months. The high-speed rail program can, and will, return in another budget. We have made huge strides in the last two years. We need to celebrate our successes, including a just-launched bullet train study in Minnesota, and move forward with determination. As added motivation, let’s look at what happens if our opponents are right.

Negotiators in Congress Protect Amtrak, Slash High-Speed Rail Money
November 17, 2011
Madeline Grennan

House and Senate negotiators this week agreed on a fiscal 2012 “minibus” spending bill that includes transportation. 



Why do Europeans tour Illinois? To see our old-fashioned travel culture
November 07, 2011
F. K. Plous

Oversees visitors have been flocking to Pontiac's Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum, as well as to other historic-motoring landmarks along the legendary highway. The irony is that foreigners used to visit America in order to experience the newest, the fastest and the most technologically advanced developments—especially in travel. Now they come here to experience the way things used to be.

Indiana Rail Plan Does Not Make Passenger Rail a Priority
October 03, 2011
Madeline Grennan

The Indiana Department of Transportation released a draft of the new 2011 Indiana Rail Plan this week. The rail plan catalogs existing proposals within the State of Indiana. It then suggests that the state might implement these proposals as funding is available and as projects are deemed to be cost effective solutions for transportation in Indiana. They do not, however, create any proposed timeline for pursuing any of the outlined proposals or a funding scheme. This demonstrates that passenger rail development is not a priority for the State of Indiana and that the state has chosen to take a passive approach.

Two Competing Visions
September 09, 2011
Richard Harnish

September marks the beginning of a debate concerning the future of transportation in the United States - a debate that will determine whether we choose to invest in a world-class transportation system, or continue down our current path, which serves no one's best interest.

Federal transportation funding is in crisis—and the crisis presents an opportunity for high-speed rail to be part of the solution.

Where is Our Old Man Thunder?
July 21, 2011
Ken Prendergast

Throughout history, there have been leaders who broke down barriers of culture, special interests, fear and ignorance to unite diverse people and powers toward a common goal. Such a leader emerged in Japan more than five decades ago. In 1964 Japan woke up the world with its Bullet Train...

T & I Committee Announcement
July 08, 2011
Richard Harnish

Thursday July 8, Congressman Mica (R-FL), Chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, held an event to outline his proposal to reauthorize the surface transportation program.  His proposed legislation would set policy for highways, transit and other programs funded out of the Highway Trust Fund.  High-speed rail and Amtrak have not been included in the program to date and may move forward in a separate bill.

Vote "No" to Rescinding High-Speed Rail Funds
June 28, 2011
Richard Harnish

There have been many developments in high-speed rail over the last two weeks. Here is a summary of what I feel are some of the most important developments, including one item that needs your input!

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