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Grow Trains

@growtrains.org
97 followers 53 following 56 posts

This website brings together news, opinion, and events from around the web, of interest to those who advocate for improved passenger rail service in the United States.

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Grow Trains @growtrains.org · 17/07/2026
⬆️trains & transit ➡️ ⬆️air quality
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Charlie Hamilton @chas.us · 21/06/2026
I’m one of the #30percent that doesn’t drive. But I’ve been lucky to live in places with decent local transit, and connections to #Amtrak. Tell your elected representatives that rail and transit is a major priority, and a tiny percentage of our tax dollars.
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Grow Trains @growtrains.org · 23/05/2026
"The roughly one-third of Americans who don’t drive—seniors who’ve stopped, people with disabilities, low-income households who can’t afford a car, people in transit-served cities—are subsidizing infrastructure they use little or not at all." www.fastcompany.com/91540490/gas...
fastcompany.com
The way we finance new highways and roads is no longer working
Those who use the roads should pay for the roads.
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Grow Trains @growtrains.org · 03/05/2026
Our transportation system is built for cars and nothing else. We hope that the travelers stuck by #SpiritAirlines can get to where they need to go. We need a robust rail network!
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Charlie Hamilton @chas.us · 30/12/2025
Please donate today to any of these organizations who are advocating for better transportation options. Make a difference in 2026! allaboardnw.org/ran/rccn-org...
allaboardnw.org
RCCN Organization Members
Please donate today to any of these organizations who are advocating for better transportation options. Make a difference in 2026!
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bethosborne.bsky.social @bethosborne.bsky.social · 12/11/2025
1. Funds were not always used effectively. 2. The law did not always result in less funding for polluting projects. 3. Many IIJA programs reinforced existing inequities by rewarding jurisdictions with greater preexisting resources. www.urban.org/urban-wire/r...
urban.org
The Reauthorization of Federal Transportation Programs Offers Policymakers an Opportunity to Improve Effectiveness, Environmental Sustainability, and Access
Federal policymakers should consider three strategies to guide deliberations around reauthorization and improvement of Americans’ quality of life.
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All Aboard Washington @aawa.us · 03/10/2025
A rail advocate is anyone who wants to improve passenger rail and is willing to talk to other people including elected officials about jmproving passenger trains. Attend the Pacific Northwest Rail Summit, and learn how you can be a more effective passenger rail advocate. aawa.us/news/posts/r...
aawa.us
Rail Advocates Mobilize for Pacific Northwest Rail Summit, Oct. 15–16 in Portland
Rail advocates from All Aboard Northwest, AORTA, and All Aboard Washington are encouraging members, allies, and community leaders to participate in the Pacific Northwest Rail Summit, October 15–16 at ...
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Grow Trains @growtrains.org · 20/09/2025
Join us in Portland October 15-17 for the Pacific Northwest Rail Summit, where passenger and freight rail leaders and elected officials will discuss opportunities to improve the shared rail system that spans the Greater Northwest. Details at nwsummit.org. Register now to attend in person or online.
nwsummit.org
Home
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Grow Trains @growtrains.org · 08/09/2025
High-speed rail has come to America. Or has it? www.cnn.com/2025/09/08/t...
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Grow Trains @growtrains.org · 22/08/2025
Amtrak’s Mardi Gras Train Returns, Joyfully, 20 Years After Katrina arr.as/mardigras
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Grow Trains @growtrains.org · 05/07/2025
"The US transportation system has all the balance of a two-legged stool. Adding passenger rail doesn't just add an option, it adds stability" @lakeshorerail.bsky.social
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Grow Trains @growtrains.org · 19/05/2025
"The trains in San Francisco's Muni Metro light railway…won't start up in the morning until someone sticks a floppy disk into the computer that loads DOS software on the railway's Automatic Train Control System." www.bbc.com/future/artic...
bbc.com
Still booting after all these years: The people stuck using ancient Windows computers
As technology marches on, some people get trapped using decades-old software and devices. Here's a look inside the strange, stubborn world of obsolete Windows machines.
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Grow Trains @growtrains.org · 07/05/2025
US railroad Amtrak cutting 450 positions, $100 million in annual costs www.reuters.com/business/wor...
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Grow Trains @growtrains.org · 07/05/2025
Is U.S. Transportation Policy Ready For The ‘Silver Tsunami’? usa.streetsblog.org/2025/05/07/i...
usa.streetsblog.org
Is U.S. Transportation Policy Ready For The 'Silver Tsunami'? — Streetsblog USA
America's car-dependent communities aren't prepared for the rising proportion of seniors who can't safely drive.
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Grow Trains @growtrains.org · 25/04/2025
VIA’s Canadian turns 70, operating with equipment from when it began www.trains.com/trn/news-rev...
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Grow Trains @growtrains.org · 16/04/2025
Texas funding for Heartland Flyer on hold: Analysis www.trains.com/trn/news-rev...
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Grow Trains @growtrains.org · 11/04/2025
Italy's new high-speed rail line looks to reverse depopulation, lift southern economy www.reuters.com/world/europe...
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Grow Trains @growtrains.org · 08/04/2025
How Japan Built a 3D-Printed Train Station in 6 Hours As Japan’s population shrinks, maintaining rail service in remote small towns is becoming a challenge. Is this the answer? arr.as/3dstation
arr.as
How Japan Built a 3D-Printed Train Station in 6 Hours (Gift Article)
As Japan’s population shrinks, maintaining rail service in remote small towns is becoming a challenge. Is this the answer?
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Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority @bigskyrail.bsky.social · 05/04/2025
House Bill 848 just moved forward by a vote of 61 to 39 in the Montana House thanks to the extraordinary efforts of Representative Denise Baum with the support of our chairman and Missoula County Commissioner Dave Strohmaier.
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Grow Trains @growtrains.org · 27/03/2025
Amtrak Scrambles After Pulling ‘Horizon’ Fleet From Service railfan.com/amtrak-scram...
railfan.com
Amtrak Scrambles After Pulling ‘Horizon’ Fleet From Service
Amtrak’s decision to remove 70 passenger cars from service this week has disrupted passenger service from the Midwest to the Pacific Northwest.
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Grow Trains @growtrains.org · 27/03/2025
The User-Pay Myth: Everyone — Not Just Drivers — Pays for Our Roads usa.streetsblog.org/2025/03/27/t...
usa.streetsblog.org
The User-Pay Myth: Everyone — Not Just Drivers — Pays for Our Roads — Streetsblog USA
It's sort of the central myth of American transportation. Let's debunk it once and for all.
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Grow Trains @growtrains.org · 25/03/2025
US infrastructure improved with Biden-era spending but there’s a long way to go apnews.com/article/infr...
apnews.com
US infrastructure improved with Biden-era spending but there's a long way to go
The American Society of Civil Engineers said that the state of U.S. infrastructure had improved, though just a little.
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Grow Trains @growtrains.org · 20/03/2025
Amtrak's future is uncertain at best. @reuters.com reports that "A White House official told Reuters [Amtrak CEO] Gardner had been asked to step down. An Amtrak spokesperson declined to comment on whether he had been asked to leave." www.reuters.com/world/us/us-...
reuters.com
US passenger railroad Amtrak CEO abruptly steps down
Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner said Wednesday he will step down immediately after more than four years as head of the U.S. passenger railroad, citing concerns about maintaining the carrier's support from President Donald Trump's administration.
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Grow Trains @growtrains.org · 19/03/2025
A White House official told Reuters Gardner had been asked to step down. An Amtrak spokesperson declined to comment on whether he had been asked to leave. www.reuters.com/world/us/us-...
reuters.com
US passenger railroad Amtrak CEO abruptly steps down
Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner said Wednesday he will step down immediately after more than four years as head of the U.S. passenger railroad, citing concerns about maintaining the carrier's support from President Donald Trump's administration.
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Grow Trains @growtrains.org · 13/03/2025
This ambitious proposal would radically reinvent Europe’s rail system www.fastcompany.com/91296348/sta...
fastcompany.com
This ambitious proposal would radically reinvent Europe’s rail system
Starline is a new high-speed rail network concept from think tank 21st Europe that aims to make Europe stronger and more connected.
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All Aboard Washington @aawa.us · 09/03/2025
Sneak a peek at AAWA's new discussion board for rail advocates in the Pacific Northwest. Register to post and comment at aawaforum.org Full speed ahead!
Screen shot of AAWA discussion forum
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All Aboard Washington @aawa.us · 05/03/2025
We have published a new option for communicating among rail advocates. We hope that it will evolve into "the" place where active discussions happen among @aawa.us @AORTArail.org, and other orgs in the PNW. This is a "soft launch." Go to aawaforum.org and click on Register at the top right.
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Grow Trains @growtrains.org · 05/03/2025
Lessons learned from the missed opportunities of the Biden Administration t4america.org/2025/03/04/l...
t4america.org
Lessons learned from the missed opportunities of the Biden Administration - Transportation For America
With the Biden presidency in the rearview mirror, we can look back at where the administration succeeded and failed and what lessons we can take for the future. Joe Biden promised to tackle the climat...
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Grow Trains @growtrains.org · 04/03/2025
State Transportation Agencies Can Still Lead on Sustainability and Equity. Here’s How. nextcity.org/urbanist-new...
nextcity.org
State Transportation Agencies Can Still Lead on Sustainability and Equity. Here’s How.
Op-ed: Federal policy has become hostile to sustainability and equity. A new framework shows how state and local DOTs can take up the baton.
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Grow Trains @growtrains.org · 03/03/2025
A Scenic California Rail Line Sits on an Eroding Cliff. Where Should the Tracks Go? arr.as/delmar
nytimes.com
A Scenic California Rail Line Sits on an Eroding Cliff. Where Should the Tracks Go?
In the city of Del Mar, near San Diego, most agree the train tracks must move off eroding bluffs. But debate over its new route has stalled the project while climate change raises the risks.
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Grow Trains @growtrains.org · 03/03/2025
FRA personnel cuts could further delay languishing rail initiatives: Analysis www.trains.com/trn/news-rev...
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Charlie Hamilton @chas.us · 03/03/2025
Reminder that the excellent book "When Driving is Not an Option" by @nondriver.bsky.social is on sale until tonight at a major discount. Don't miss out! islandpress.org/best-selling...
islandpress.org
Best Selling ebooks Just $4.99!
Grab this deal, ebooks are $4.99!
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Grow Trains @growtrains.org · 28/02/2025
Trump’s transportation department cancels new review step that could’ve slowed state projects apnews.com/article/trum...
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Grow Trains @growtrains.org · 28/02/2025
"Rail passenger organizations defend the Federal Railroad Admin. from another round of firings that would further delay work on several rail projects of national significance…at a time of increased economic fragility in the U.S." www.railpassengers.org/happening-no... @aawa.us @railpassengers.org
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Grow Trains @growtrains.org · 27/02/2025
Commentary: Remember the Last Time Trump Tried to Stop the Train? sf.streetsblog.org/2025/02/26/c...
sf.streetsblog.org
Commentary: Remember the Last Time Trump Tried to Stop the Train? - Streetsblog San Francisco
A reminder that we've seen Trump's anti-rail playbook before. The train won.
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Lakeshore Rail Alliance @lakeshorerail.bsky.social · 27/02/2025
Today, our parent organization All Aboard Erie held a press conference in Erie, PA to announce their proposal for restructuring US passenger rail policy. Without a policy overhaul, we won't catch up with the rest of the world with passenger rail development. More about the proposal soon.
erienewsnow.com
All Aboard Erie Shares New Vision for National Rail Transportation Network
They say it needs a permanent funding mechanism, dedicated publicly-owned tracks for passengers not shared with freight trains and a federal passenger rail authority to oversee it all. It won't come c
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Grow Trains @growtrains.org · 25/02/2025
Why Widening Highways Doesn’t Fix Traffic—But Congestion Pricing Can www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-...
scientificamerican.com
Widening Highways Doesn’t Fix Traffic. Here’s What Can
Highway widening projects usually don’t solve congestion, but less expensive toll programs known as congestion pricing can. Here’s why
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Grow Trains @growtrains.org · 21/02/2025
Protestors Disrupt USDOT Secretary’s Attack on California High-Speed Rail cal.streetsblog.org/2025/02/20/p...
cal.streetsblog.org
Protestors Disrupt USDOT Secretary's Attack on California High-Speed Rail - Streetsblog California
Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy announced a federal investigation into California High-Speed Rail "waste, fraud, and abuse"
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Grow Trains @growtrains.org · 21/02/2025
Friday’s Headlines Fear for Amtrak usa.streetsblog.org/2025/02/21/f...
usa.streetsblog.org
Friday's Headlines Fear for Amtrak — Streetsblog USA
Amtrak may not survive the second Trump administration, let alone the slow progress on expansion made under President Biden.
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Grow Trains @growtrains.org · 21/02/2025
"Amtrak may not survive the second Trump administration, let alone the slow progress on expansion made under President Biden." usa.streetsblog.org/2025/02/21/f...
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Grow Trains @growtrains.org · 19/02/2025
Before and after.
Before: Train coach interior. After: Coop full of chickens with caption  "USDA says it accidentally fired officials working on bird flu and is trying to rehire them"
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Grow Trains @growtrains.org · 15/02/2025
Amtrak independence at stake, status of approved FRA infrastructure grants uncertain: Analysis - Trains www.trains.com/trn/news-rev...
trains.com
Amtrak independence at stake, status of approved FRA infrastructure grants uncertain: Analysis - Trains
WASHINGTON — Historically, passenger rail funding has had legislative champions from each party in the House and Senate that successfully counteracted executive branch funding cuts. When President Don...
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Grow Trains @growtrains.org · 06/02/2025
Are passenger trains entering a golden age or reaching the end of the line? montanafreepress.org/2025/02/05/a...
montanafreepress.org
Are passenger trains entering a golden age or reaching the end of the line?
Amid shifting political winds in Washington, D.C., and aging equipment across the country, passenger rail in Montana faces an uncertain future.
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Charlie Hamilton @chas.us · 02/02/2025
I get my news from a variety of sources. www.chamilton.info/blog/where-i...
chamilton.info
Where I get news
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Grow Trains @growtrains.org · 01/02/2025
The humble beginnings of National Airport wapo.st/3Q1DxlM
wapo.st
The humble beginnings of National Airport
Built on a swamp with a busy road going right through it, what’s now Ronald Reagan National Airport was initially lampooned in news articles as ‘a disgrace.’
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Grow Trains @growtrains.org · 28/01/2025
These US Cities Can’t Let Go of Their Cars www.motointegrator.de/blog/car-cen...
motointegrator.de
These US Cities Can’t Let Go of Their Cars - Motointegrator.de Blog
Discover which U.S. cities are the most car-dependent and why. A detailed analysis by Motointegrator and DataPulse Research compares car ownership across 91 cities, factoring in walking, biking, and p...
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Grow Trains @growtrains.org · 23/01/2025
"Sean Duffy will be confirmed as early as Thursday as America's new Sec. of Transportation — but will he keep his promise to follow the law, or follow an executive order from President Trump that threatens to bring billions of infrastructure spending to a halt?" usa.streetsblog.org/2025/01/23/w...
usa.streetsblog.org
Will Incoming U.S. DOT Secretary Sean Duffy Derail America's Two Biggest Transportation Bills? — Streetsblog USA
America has a new transportation secretary – but a recent executive order appears to direct him not to perform some of the most important duties of his job.
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Grow Trains @growtrains.org · 23/01/2025
Will Incoming U.S. DOT Secretary Sean Duffy Derail America’s Two Biggest Transportation Bills? usa.streetsblog.org/2025/01/23/w...
usa.streetsblog.org
Will Incoming U.S. DOT Secretary Sean Duffy Derail America's Two Biggest Transportation Bills? — Streetsblog USA
America has a new transportation secretary – but a recent executive order appears to direct him not to perform some of the most important duties of his job.
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