Sign in

High Speed Rail Alliance

@hsrail.bsky.social
784 followers 1K following 507 posts

The High Speed Rail Alliance is a member-supported nonprofit organization advocating for fast, frequent, and affordable trains throughout North America. linktr.ee/hsrail

PostsRepliesMedia
High Speed Rail Alliance @hsrail.bsky.social · 19h
Can't wait, we'll be there tomorrow!
020
High Speed Rail Alliance @hsrail.bsky.social · 19h
A second daily Amtrak Pennsylvanian train between NYC and Pittsburgh will begin service on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2026. This is good news, and PennDOT should keep this momentum going to add even more frequencies to and from the City of Bridges.
pennlive.com
2nd daily passenger train added for stretch from New York to Pittsburgh
Amtrak's Pennsylvanian will run between New York City and Pittsburgh, with stops that include Harrisburg and Philadelphia.
090
High Speed Rail Alliance @hsrail.bsky.social · 20h
Increased transportation options for central and southern Lake County, IN residents traveling to downtown Chicago and surrounding areas will be the focus of “Construction and Testing of the West Lake Corridor Project/Monon Corridor,” a UTC online Seminar Series presentation on Thursday, Oct. 15.
utc.uic.edu
Construction and Testing of the West Lake Corridor Project/Monon Corridor | Urban Transportation Center | University of Illinois Chicago
October 15, 2026
020
High Speed Rail Alliance @hsrail.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
The Buffalo – New York Empire Corridor is a great case for network planning. Without a federal rail plan, the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) considers only the traffic potential within the state, instead of the total market-shed for the route.
hsrail.org
What Do Two New York Central Trains Teach Us about Networks? | High Speed Rail Alliance
Imagine Buffalo Central Terminal in the near future. Every hour, trains arrive and depart toward Cleveland, Toronto, New York, and beyond.
020
High Speed Rail Alliance @hsrail.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Catch our webinar with James Flattum from Coloradans for CoCo on Friday, Oct. 16 at 11 a.m. MDT to learn more about the Colorado Connector's strategic phased development plan—and why the Front Range should vote "yes" on 7A this November!
hsrail.org
The Colorado Connector Model | High Speed Rail Alliance
A webinar about the Colorado Connector (CoCo) passenger train and Measure 7A. Join us Friday, Oct. 16, 2026 at 11 a.m. MDT to learn more.
061
High Speed Rail Alliance @hsrail.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
What is the integrated network approach? We got you:
hsrail.org
Integrated Network Approach in a Nutshell | High Speed Rail Alliance
The Integrated Network Approach combines the transformative power of dedicated high-speed lines with the geographic coverage of shared-use lines. It delivers steady progress, guided by a long-term…
030
High Speed Rail Alliance @hsrail.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
California is the only state whose rail plan adheres to an integrated network approach. Check out this great video by @nickandert.bsky.social to learn more about why this framework matters.
youtube.com
California's Brilliant State Rail Plan
A close look at California's 2024 State Rail Plan, and what needs to happen for us to make it real. Absolutely no AI was used in any part of the process for this video. Map Links Northern California…
1101
High Speed Rail Alliance @hsrail.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
@cnt.org
010
High Speed Rail Alliance @hsrail.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Through-running? Essential. New York Penn Station? Critical. Join our virtual panel event with leaders from ReThinkNYC, City College of New York, and the Center for Neighborhood Technology on Friday, Oct. 9 to learn more about the future of North America's most important train station.
hsrail.org
A Through-Running Future for Penn Station | High Speed Rail Alliance
ReThinkNYC and more join us to discuss the potential to convert commuter rail operations at New York Penn Station to a through-running model.
141
Reposted by High Speed Rail Alliance
Sierra Club Chicago @sierraclubchicago.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Tell NITA we need more reliable, more accessible transit service that moves more people without cars 🫡
0144
High Speed Rail Alliance @hsrail.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Super important!
032
Reposted by High Speed Rail Alliance
Thomas Bamonte @thomasbamonte.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
It is heartening to see @nitachicago.bsky.social ask for public input when NITA staff is preparing the 2027 Budget rather than waiting for public comment after staff has finalized a proposed budget. (@illinoisdot.bsky.social, CMAP, and CDOT should do the same on DNLSD/Lincoln Park project planning.)
0171
High Speed Rail Alliance @hsrail.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Tomorrow, Sept. 30, marks the first revenue service of the new Amtrak Airo trainsets on the Cascades route. We look forward to the capacity these trains will offer as they are rolled out on other routes throughout the network. More states should make Airo procurement a top priority.
masstransitmag.com
Airo trainsets to begin passenger service on Amtrak Cascades Sept. 30
Additional trainsets will enter service through early 2027.
050
High Speed Rail Alliance @hsrail.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Success! 🎉 On Sunday, Sept. 27, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 1425 into law, establishing a permitting program for the California High-Speed Rail Authority. This is a critical step toward accelerating construction and eliminating costs.
railway-news.com
New Law Gives California High-Speed Rail Right-of-Way Powers
California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed legislation giving the California High-Speed Rail Authority new powers within its rights-of-way.
092
High Speed Rail Alliance @hsrail.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Early work is underway on the two-mile Frederick Douglass Tunnel in Baltimore. It’s the largest Amtrak-led infrastructure investment in the railroad’s history, and it’s the most consequential piece of the Northeast Corridor’s future outside of New York. www.hsrail.org/blog/the-fre...
hsrail.org
The Frederick Douglass Tunnel in Baltimore Is Finally Happening. | High Speed Rail Alliance
The Frederick Douglass Tunnel is a new, underground, twin-tube tunnel.
0101
High Speed Rail Alliance @hsrail.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Hear hear
010
High Speed Rail Alliance @hsrail.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
The Brightline Paradox Answers the Question Everyone Asks About Trains in the U.S. www.hsrail.org/blog/the-bri...
hsrail.org
The Brightline Paradox Answers the Question Everyone Asks About Trains in the U.S. | High Speed Rail Alliance
When driving and flying are heavily subsidized—while rail lines are held to “free-market” standards—even a great product may not be enough.
030
High Speed Rail Alliance @hsrail.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Earlier this year we wrote about the Brightline Paradox - its product is popular and revenues are strong and growing, but it’s being crushed by debt. This is a failure of the financial model and shows the deep inequalities and dysfunction of U.S. transportation.
120
High Speed Rail Alliance @hsrail.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Brightline announced that certain parent entities have entered a Restructuring Support Agreement in order to restructure about $5.5 billion in debt. Brightline’s operating company will not file for bankruptcy and continue to operate its train service. www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
bloomberg.com
Florida’s Private Railroad Brightline Files for Bankruptcy
Florida’s Brightline has filed for bankruptcy protection after years of lower-than-expected revenue left it unable to repay billions it borrowed to finance the Miami-to-Orlando private railroad.
140
High Speed Rail Alliance @hsrail.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Want to learn more about the hard facts behind the benefits of high-speed rail? Join our webinar with Dr. Francesca Pagliara from the University of Naples Federico II, who has spent her career studying the impact of these amazing machines. 🗓️ Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 9 a.m. CDT via Zoom
hsrail.org
How High-Speed Rail Is Transforming Transportation: International Case Studies and Lessons for U.S. Policymakers | High Speed Rail Alliance
Speaker: Dr. Francesca Pagliara, associate professor of transportation engineering, University of Naples Federico II The history of rail transport has […]
053
High Speed Rail Alliance @hsrail.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
California High-Speed Rail is making a featured appearance at InnoTrans in Berlin this year, the Authority's first time at the world's largest railway trade show. CHSRA CEO Ian Choudri spoke on a panel during the opening ceremony alongside executives from Alstom, Siemens Mobility, and Škoda Group.
railway-news.com
California High Speed Rail Leads US Rail Push at InnoTrans 2026
California High-Speed Rail outlines US rail opportunities at InnoTrans 2026, highlighting its investment in European technology.
060
High Speed Rail Alliance @hsrail.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
"WSDOT has completed the second of four phases of its high-speed rail planning process and received federal approval to begin Phase 3, which will identify potential route options." myedmondsnews.com/2026/09/casc...
myedmondsnews.com
https://myedmondsnews.com/2026/09/cascadia-high-speed-rail-project-moves-forward-with-potential-routes/
030
High Speed Rail Alliance @hsrail.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Some of the latest trains to hit Korean, Norwegian, Italian, and German rails at #InnoTrans2026. So cool to see how versatile the Stadler FLIRTs can be. Can't wait to see them in Chicago.
070
High Speed Rail Alliance @hsrail.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
@deutschebahn.com
010
High Speed Rail Alliance @hsrail.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Got to check out the Rummelsburg ICE train maintenance facility in Berlin this week as part of an InnoTrans 2026 tour organized by our partners at DB E.C.O. North America. DB kindly requested that we not take photos inside, but it was sehr cool. New technology continues to make the railways strong.
270
High Speed Rail Alliance @hsrail.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
[Jeremy Clarkson voice] "Tonight ... "HSRA Board Treasurer Matthew Roling shares five trains that would smoke your uncle's Porsche 911 in the quarter mile. "Presenting the fastest trains ... in the world."
hsrail.org
Five Trains That Would Smoke Your Uncle’s Porsche 911 in the Quarter Mile | High Speed Rail Alliance
A Car and Driver-style comparo for people who think "zero to 200" should only apply to supercars and motorcycles.
020
High Speed Rail Alliance @hsrail.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Amtrak has been working for several years to purchase Union Pacific’s Canal Street Yard in Chicago, which stretches from Archer to Pershing Road along Canal Street. We need to stay active to ensure it has enough capacity for future, electrified trains.
hsrail.org
Progress Towards a New Amtrak Maintenance Yard in Chicago | High Speed Rail Alliance
High-Speed Trains + High-Speed Lines = Twice the Speed of Driving
060
High Speed Rail Alliance @hsrail.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Renovating Buffalo Central Terminal isn’t just about saving a beautiful building. It’s about elevating Buffalo to its rightful place—at the center of a region, at the crossroads of a nation, alive with the buzz and energy of great trains.
hsrail.org
Eight Trains an Hour: It’s the Future Buffalo’s Central Terminal Deserves | High Speed Rail Alliance
Imagine Buffalo Terminal in the near-future. Every hour, trains arrive and depart in four directions: Cleveland, Toronto, and two routes to New York
042
High Speed Rail Alliance @hsrail.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
The Intercity 125 HST was the fastest passenger rail service in Britain when it launched 50 years ago. A preservation group will celebrate this milestone with a run on the original line on Oct. 4, using the original rolling stock.
bbc.com
Commemorative journey to mark birth of UK high speed rail
A preserved Intercity 125 HST is set to return to the line where high speed rail in Britain began.
031
High Speed Rail Alliance @hsrail.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
The Washington State Department of Transportation has announced that the new Amtrak Airo trains will begin service on the Cascades route Sept. 30. WSDOT also announced that a development plan for the Cascadia High-Speed Rail project will be released in 2028.
mybellinghamnow.com
Upgraded Amtrak Cascade fleet to begin service on Sept. 30 - My Bellingham Now
The new generation of trains boast an increased seating capacity and other upgrades to the passenger experience.
041
High Speed Rail Alliance @hsrail.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
@railpassengers.org
020
High Speed Rail Alliance @hsrail.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Today the Rail Passengers Association called upon the Surface Transportation Board to reject the merger of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, arguing that the two railroads have not provided sufficient evidence that the merger would benefit the public. Hear hear! 👏
trains.com
Passenger group calls for STB to reject UP-NS merger - Trains
WASHINGTON — The Rail Passengers Association on Wednesday, Sept. 9, called for the Surface Transportation Board to reject the Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger, saying the UP-NS application ignores potential expansion of passenger service as part of its failure to make a prima facie case for the transaction. In a 63-page filing, the RPA argues that [...]Read More...
141
High Speed Rail Alliance @hsrail.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Episode 2 of High Speed Rail Talk, "The O'Hare Flyer," is now streaming! 🚄 ✈️ Learn more about how a realistic, privately funded project could connect downtown Chicago to O'Hare Airport's Terminal 2 with battery-electric trains every 15 minutes.
high-speed-rail-talk.transistor.fm
High Speed Rail Talk | The O’Hare Flyer: Chicago May Finally Get Its Airport Express Train
Speakers: Mark Walbrun, chief development officer, and Dave Lundy, chief executive officer, O'Hare Flyer The O’Hare Flyer is a privately funded rail project that aims to bring travelers from downto...
020
High Speed Rail Alliance @hsrail.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Support the future of travel on your next adventure with an HSRA membership. Join before 9/18 and we’ll send you a complimentary luggage tag for: 🌎️ Advancing policies that move people, not cars 🧠 Empowering allies with resources and education 💪 Organizing a grassroots base of citizens nationwide
hsrail.org
End-of-Summer 2026 Luggage Tag Giveaway | High Speed Rail Alliance
Join the Alliance now through the end of summer and receive a luggage tag. Show off your love for great trains on your next adventure!
000
High Speed Rail Alliance @hsrail.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
We encourage you to attend this month's Illinois High-Speed Railway Commission meeting and provide public comment on Wednesday, Sept. 16, whether in person in Chicago or virtually. Learn more and register via email on our website:
hsrail.org
Illinois High-Speed Railway Commission September 2026 Meeting | High Speed Rail Alliance
Illinois High-Speed Railway Commission meetings are held once a month and open to the public. Please email the Illinois Department […]
020
High Speed Rail Alliance @hsrail.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Nearly everyone agrees that there should be fast trains between downtown Chicago and O’Hare International Airport. The sticking point has always been how to make it happen: where the line should run, how fast the trains should go, and who should pay for it. A private group thinks it has answers.
hsrail.org
The O’Hare Flyer: Chicago May Finally Get Its Airport Express Train | High Speed Rail Alliance
Nearly everyone agrees that there should be fast trains between downtown Chicago and O’Hare International Airport. How do we make it happen?
060
High Speed Rail Alliance @hsrail.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
You can now watch the recording of our webinar with the O'Hare Flyer leadership team. Thank you to everyone who joined!
youtube.com
The O’Hare Flyer
Speakers: Mark Walbrun, chief development officer, O’Hare Flyer and Dave Lundy, chief executive officer, O'Hare Flyer The O’Hare Flyer is a privately funded rail project that aims to bring travelers…
110
High Speed Rail Alliance @hsrail.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Alstom has been selected to build 313 new railcars for VIA Rail. We applaud the Canadian government for this progress and for investing in the city of Thunder Bay. Amtrak is expected to select a manufacturer for its own long-distance fleet replacement by the end of 2027. Sooner would be better.
trains.com
Alstom to build new cars for VIA Rail Canada in Ca$4.7 billion deal (updated) - Trains
THUNDER BAY, Ontario — The Canadian government will spend Ca$4.7 billion (U.S. $3.41 billion) for 313 new VIA Rail Canada passenger cars to be built in Canada by Alstom. Prime Minister Mark Carney made the announcement today (Thursday, Sept. 3) in a press conference at Alstom’s plant in Thunder Bay, an event also providing a [...]Read More...
021
High Speed Rail Alliance @hsrail.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Don't miss our webinar with O'Hare Flyer Chief Development Officer Mark Walbrun Friday, Sept. 4 at noon CDT! Learn more about this proposal to connect O'Hare Airport with downtown Chicago in just 15 minutes.
hsrail.org
The O'Hare Flyer | High Speed Rail Alliance
Join this webinar on Friday, Sept. 4 at noon CDT to learn more about the proposed rail line from its chief development officer Mark Walbrun.
061
Reposted by High Speed Rail Alliance
Streetsblog Chicago @chi.streetsblog.org · 03/09/2026
John’s new op-ed in the Tribune, “Sean Duffy doesn’t deserve credit for Midwest Amtrak funding,” also discusses the USDOT chief's attempts to derail CTA Red Line project and operations funding. @chicagocta.bsky.social @hsrail.bsky.social @streetsblogca.bsky.social @activetransportation.org
chicagotribune.com
John Greenfield: Sean Duffy doesn’t deserve credit for Midwest Amtrak funding
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has caused infuriating setbacks for sustainable transportation projects and agencies.
0122
Reposted by High Speed Rail Alliance
Christian Wolmar @christianwolmar.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Listen to my great discussion with High Speed Rail Alliance @hsrail.bsky.social -- follow them
021
High Speed Rail Alliance @hsrail.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
We are excited to announce the launch of our podcast High Speed Rail Talk. This new format builds upon our celebrated webinar series to bring you news and discussion about fast, frequent trains and the future of transportation in America.
hsrail.org
Announcing High Speed Rail Talk | High Speed Rail Alliance
The High Speed Rail Alliance podcast is now streaming. Listen in to learn more about the latest in fast, frequent, and affordable trains.
050
High Speed Rail Alliance @hsrail.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
China has built around 31,000 miles of high-speed line over the past two decades. Why not here? The U.S. hasn’t made that kind of political commitment to trains in a long time. And political commitment is the whole ballgame.
hsrail.org
A New History of High-Speed Rail Takes on a Familiar Question | High Speed Rail Alliance
Author Christian Wolmar says high-speed trains saved the railways. His latest book "Fast Track" reveals answers to their absence in the U.S.
040
High Speed Rail Alliance @hsrail.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Outreach Manager Jordan Pokorney will be featured at the Sept. 3 Sierra Club Illinois Chapter’s Biweekly Chicago State Lobby Team Meeting to talk about what NITA means for Illinois passenger rail and regional sustainability. All are welcome to attend!
hsrail.org
Paths to Regional and Intercity Rail Expansion: A Closer Look at NITA | High Speed Rail Alliance
Hosted by the Sierra Club Illinois Chapter State Lobby Team Speaker: Jordan Pokorney, manager of outreach and engagement, High Speed […]
030
Reposted by High Speed Rail Alliance
Sierra Club Chicago @sierraclubchicago.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
THIS THURSDAY Join the State lobby team and @hsrail.bsky.social 's Jordan Pokorney for a virtual meeting about the future of rail expansion in Illinois Register here: act.sierraclub.org/events/detai...
Paths to regional and intercity rail expansion: A closer look at NITA 

Thursday Sept 3 6:00 PM

Learn what NITA means for passenger rail and sustainable transportation 

feat. Jordan Pokorney
072
High Speed Rail Alliance @hsrail.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Join us this Friday, Sept. 4 at noon CDT for a webinar with O'Hare Flyer Chief Development Officer Mark Walbrun to learn more about this exciting new Chicago rail project.
hsrail.org
The O'Hare Flyer | High Speed Rail Alliance
Join this webinar on Friday, Sept. 4 at noon CDT to learn more about the proposed rail line from its chief development officer Mark Walbrun.
191
High Speed Rail Alliance @hsrail.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
❌️ This money was appropriated in the IIJA back in 2021. $2.4 billion of it was clawed back from California HSR. ❌️ The White House still wants to cut FRA funding by 81% and Amtrak funding by up to 69%. ❌️ The vision is way too small. $5.3 billion is cute, but not enough.
020
High Speed Rail Alliance @hsrail.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy recently announced $5.3 billion for railroad projects, via the recently renamed National Railroad Partnership Program. The money is welcome. These are important projects. Even so, this big announcement doesn’t add up.
hsrail.org
The Math Ain't Mathin' | High Speed Rail Alliance
America is defined by its regions. From the mountains and lush forests of Cascadia, to the plains and Great Lakes of the Midwest, to the bluegrass and sweet wetlands of the Southeast—every region is…
110
High Speed Rail Alliance @hsrail.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Excellent news! SB 1425, which would streamline construction for California High-Speed Rail, now awaits Gov. Newsom's signature. Thank you to everyone in California who took action and urged the Assembly Appropriations Committee to get this through!
einnews.com
Senator Cortese’s SB 1425 Heads to Governor, Would Clear Path for Faster High-Speed Rail Construction
SACRAMENTO, CA — California State Senator Dave Cortese’s Senate Bill 1425 (SB 1425) has cleared the California Legislature and now advances to the Governor’s
020
High Speed Rail Alliance @hsrail.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Great. Now make the Pennsylvanian hourly!
axios.com
Pittsburgh gets another daily Amtrak trip
More daily rail service arrives in mid-November, with tickets expected to go on sale in October.
061