What
We Promote:
North American Success Models
We are not promoting anything new; each
component of the proposed Midwest network has been proven
in North America.
Canada Via Rail provides a service very
similar to the planned Midwest network in southern Ontario
and Quebec. Via's trains operate very frequent service on
busy freight tracks. The afternoon Toronto - Montreal express
train operates at the same average speed as the Washington
to New York Acela Express.
California As part of a large
transportation initiative approved by the
voters in 1990, California has invested heavily in additional
track capacity, new stations, new trains and connecting bus
services. Ridership has skyrocketed – without raising
train speeds above 79 mph. California is now moving forward
with plans to build new, dedicated high-speed rail.
Pacific Northwest Between Seattle and Washington
new, high-performance trains allowed a 25 minute reduction
in running time without significant trackwork. The new equipment,
combined with additional frequencies has resulted in a 521%
increase in ridership since the program began. They are now
seeking funding to cut additional travel time and add additional
departures.
Northeast Since the passage of the High
Speed Ground Transportation Act act in 1965, the trackage
stretching from Washington, DC through New York, NY to Boston,
MA has received substantial federal investment. Most recently,
federal funds were used to upgrade the trackage from New York
to Boston and to purchase new trainsets, called Acela Express.
Acela Express provides a premium, limited stops service that
provides an attractive alternative to flying. The Regional
group of trains is designed to attract drivers and hauls substantially
more passengers.
Northeast Illinois A dedicated source of
funding, combined with a clear legislative directive, has
supported Metra, the commuter operator for six counties in
Northeast Illinois. Metra has been very successful in steadily
building ridership and is valued as an essential component
of the region. It uses a variety of service models that include
both heavy freight mainlines and dedicated passenger tracks
with little noticable difference to the customers. Many communities
within a ninety-mile circle of Chicago are seeking ways to
gain Metra service.
North
Carolina has led the way towards safer grade crossings >>
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