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Haven't heard anything so far. I'd guess for the initial startup, it would be either Superliners or Amfleets, perhaps the some of the Amfleets currently up on the Cascades as the Airos enter service...
February 12, 2026 at 10:24 PM
Haven't heard anything so far. I'd guess for the initial startup, it would be either Superliners or Amfleets, perhaps the some of the Amfleets currently up on the Cascades as the Airos enter service...
So, since the Zephyr and WPE are both morning out/evening in for Denver, this may end up being morning in/evening out. Something like:
DEP Granby 6:54 am -> ARR DEN 10:27 am
DEP DEN 6:46 pm -> ARR Granby 9:22 pm
(just modified current Zephyr schedule times for convenience).
But just speculation...
DEP Granby 6:54 am -> ARR DEN 10:27 am
DEP DEN 6:46 pm -> ARR Granby 9:22 pm
(just modified current Zephyr schedule times for convenience).
But just speculation...
February 12, 2026 at 10:10 PM
So, since the Zephyr and WPE are both morning out/evening in for Denver, this may end up being morning in/evening out. Something like:
DEP Granby 6:54 am -> ARR DEN 10:27 am
DEP DEN 6:46 pm -> ARR Granby 9:22 pm
(just modified current Zephyr schedule times for convenience).
But just speculation...
DEP Granby 6:54 am -> ARR DEN 10:27 am
DEP DEN 6:46 pm -> ARR Granby 9:22 pm
(just modified current Zephyr schedule times for convenience).
But just speculation...
My initial thinking is since they've committed to run the seasonal Winter Park Express in addition to this train, that the schedule will not be aligned with when the ski resort is open. Plus they may not configure the train for handling skis/equipment.
But they should stop in Fraser regardless.
But they should stop in Fraser regardless.
February 12, 2026 at 10:00 PM
My initial thinking is since they've committed to run the seasonal Winter Park Express in addition to this train, that the schedule will not be aligned with when the ski resort is open. Plus they may not configure the train for handling skis/equipment.
But they should stop in Fraser regardless.
But they should stop in Fraser regardless.
“The Mountain Rail service is expected to begin year-round daily service between Denver and Granby by 2026, with future expansions planned to Winter Park, Steamboat Springs, Craig and Hayden.”
www.craigdailypress.com/news/mountai...
www.craigdailypress.com/news/mountai...
Mountain Rail charges toward November launch of Phase 1 passenger rail service
Members of the Mountain Rail Coalition gathered virtually on Jan. 22 to celebrate key milestones, strategize on sustaining political support and advance station planning as the Colorado Department of ...
www.craigdailypress.com
February 12, 2026 at 8:46 PM
“The Mountain Rail service is expected to begin year-round daily service between Denver and Granby by 2026, with future expansions planned to Winter Park, Steamboat Springs, Craig and Hayden.”
www.craigdailypress.com/news/mountai...
www.craigdailypress.com/news/mountai...
FFGA: Full Funding Grant Agreement
When the FTA and designated recipient (usually the transit agency) agree to the level of federal funding committed to the project and FTA’s oversight role so that construction may begin.
When the FTA and designated recipient (usually the transit agency) agree to the level of federal funding committed to the project and FTA’s oversight role so that construction may begin.
February 12, 2026 at 1:46 PM
FFGA: Full Funding Grant Agreement
When the FTA and designated recipient (usually the transit agency) agree to the level of federal funding committed to the project and FTA’s oversight role so that construction may begin.
When the FTA and designated recipient (usually the transit agency) agree to the level of federal funding committed to the project and FTA’s oversight role so that construction may begin.
As a native Buffaloanian (who could walk to University station) I have:
•cautious restraint: still needs an FTA rating, non-federal funding commitments & then FFGA.
•cautious optimism: a Metro Rail extension process has never gotten this far since the system’s opening.🚉🚊
•cautious restraint: still needs an FTA rating, non-federal funding commitments & then FFGA.
•cautious optimism: a Metro Rail extension process has never gotten this far since the system’s opening.🚉🚊
Feds sign off on NFTA’s Metro Rail expansion plan (Final EIS) from Buffalo to SUNY-Buffalo (UB) North campus in Amherst | @wgrztv.bsky.social - www.wgrz.com/article/traf...
NFTA light-rail extension gets green light from federal transit agency
Federal officials have approved NFTA-Metro’s light-rail expansion plan, a key step toward extending service to Tonawanda, Amherst, and UB’s North Campus.
www.wgrz.com
February 12, 2026 at 1:42 PM
As a native Buffaloanian (who could walk to University station) I have:
•cautious restraint: still needs an FTA rating, non-federal funding commitments & then FFGA.
•cautious optimism: a Metro Rail extension process has never gotten this far since the system’s opening.🚉🚊
•cautious restraint: still needs an FTA rating, non-federal funding commitments & then FFGA.
•cautious optimism: a Metro Rail extension process has never gotten this far since the system’s opening.🚉🚊
Sound Transit ‘simulated service’ will add to light rail schedules as Crosslake Connection to 2 Line approaches revenue service launch on March 28 | Trains Magazine - www.trains.com/pro/passenge...
Sound Transit ‘simulated service’ will add to light rail schedules - Trains
SEATTLE — Sound Transit will begin simulated service on its new light rail Crosslake Connection on Saturday, Feb. 14, giving passengers the chance to ride additional trains on the Link 1 Line between ...
www.trains.com
February 11, 2026 at 7:09 PM
Sound Transit ‘simulated service’ will add to light rail schedules as Crosslake Connection to 2 Line approaches revenue service launch on March 28 | Trains Magazine - www.trains.com/pro/passenge...
Looking at how bad Toronto has bungled its surface sections of its 2 new lines, DART's 4 lines on city streets have really good flow in comparison. TSP is pretty decent and they've got operating habits in good sinus rhythm usually.
It's decoupling the 4-route interlining that made D2 really valuable
It's decoupling the 4-route interlining that made D2 really valuable
February 11, 2026 at 2:14 PM
Looking at how bad Toronto has bungled its surface sections of its 2 new lines, DART's 4 lines on city streets have really good flow in comparison. TSP is pretty decent and they've got operating habits in good sinus rhythm usually.
It's decoupling the 4-route interlining that made D2 really valuable
It's decoupling the 4-route interlining that made D2 really valuable
Feds sign off on NFTA’s Metro Rail expansion plan (Final EIS) from Buffalo to SUNY-Buffalo (UB) North campus in Amherst | @wgrztv.bsky.social - www.wgrz.com/article/traf...
NFTA light-rail extension gets green light from federal transit agency
Federal officials have approved NFTA-Metro’s light-rail expansion plan, a key step toward extending service to Tonawanda, Amherst, and UB’s North Campus.
www.wgrz.com
February 11, 2026 at 1:53 PM
Feds sign off on NFTA’s Metro Rail expansion plan (Final EIS) from Buffalo to SUNY-Buffalo (UB) North campus in Amherst | @wgrztv.bsky.social - www.wgrz.com/article/traf...
Reposted by RAIL Magazine
So do Japan, France, Italy and Germany
Yes, China has impressive high-speed trains. That is no reason for the West to adopt iron-fisted rule
Are liberal values a luxury the West cannot afford?
Yes, China has impressive high-speed trains. That is no reason for the West to adopt iron-fisted rule
econ.st
February 10, 2026 at 11:41 PM
So do Japan, France, Italy and Germany
So much new passenger rail going on in Mexico these days (compared to prior decades). On February 2nd, the El Insurgente line (previously known as Tren Interurbano) extended 8.4 km to connect with the Mexico City Metro Line 1 at Observatorio station. It uses CAF EMUs in serving 57 km to Toluca.
El Insurgente creates an interchanage with Mexico City’s metro
MEXICO: The El Insurgente suburban rail service in Mexico City has been extended from Santa Fe to Observatorio, where meets metro Line 1.
www.railwaygazette.com
February 10, 2026 at 6:52 PM
So much new passenger rail going on in Mexico these days (compared to prior decades). On February 2nd, the El Insurgente line (previously known as Tren Interurbano) extended 8.4 km to connect with the Mexico City Metro Line 1 at Observatorio station. It uses CAF EMUs in serving 57 km to Toluca.
Actual Des Moines; UP's former Rock Island main line in orange below, generally running north-south. Station location in relation to the heart of downtown could be sub-optimal, though.
February 10, 2026 at 3:37 PM
Actual Des Moines; UP's former Rock Island main line in orange below, generally running north-south. Station location in relation to the heart of downtown could be sub-optimal, though.
Not firing at Matt here, but expounding on a question you may have: how do we serve Twin Cities-Rochester (MN)? I don't think it's via the MSP-KC corridor (sorta wrong direction). Existing rail is indirect/slow. ZipRail failed. Only way really is greenfield HSR en route to La Crosse & Madison-> CHI.
February 10, 2026 at 1:48 PM
Not firing at Matt here, but expounding on a question you may have: how do we serve Twin Cities-Rochester (MN)? I don't think it's via the MSP-KC corridor (sorta wrong direction). Existing rail is indirect/slow. ZipRail failed. Only way really is greenfield HSR en route to La Crosse & Madison-> CHI.
I disagree. Rochester is not in the direction of Des Moines & KC, and getting there from the Twin Cities almost certainly requires significant infrastructure improvements, if not a new railroad entirely.
Meanwhile, there's latent capacity on UP's former Rock Island corridor to run trains soon.
Meanwhile, there's latent capacity on UP's former Rock Island corridor to run trains soon.
February 9, 2026 at 11:00 PM
I disagree. Rochester is not in the direction of Des Moines & KC, and getting there from the Twin Cities almost certainly requires significant infrastructure improvements, if not a new railroad entirely.
Meanwhile, there's latent capacity on UP's former Rock Island corridor to run trains soon.
Meanwhile, there's latent capacity on UP's former Rock Island corridor to run trains soon.
Twin Cities (Empire Builder/Borealis)
Albert Lea
Mason City
Des Moines
Chariton (California Zephyr)
Kansas City (Southwest Chief/MO Rail Runner)
Would be a great corridor with great connections!🛤️🚆
www.bizjournals.com/twincities/n...
Albert Lea
Mason City
Des Moines
Chariton (California Zephyr)
Kansas City (Southwest Chief/MO Rail Runner)
Would be a great corridor with great connections!🛤️🚆
www.bizjournals.com/twincities/n...
St. Paul backs study of passenger rail to Kansas City after Borealis success - Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal
St. Paul City Council opened the door to a passenger rail service to Kansas City and other Minnesota cities after the success of the recent Borealis route. Learn what steps have been taken and how the...
www.bizjournals.com
February 9, 2026 at 10:53 PM
Twin Cities (Empire Builder/Borealis)
Albert Lea
Mason City
Des Moines
Chariton (California Zephyr)
Kansas City (Southwest Chief/MO Rail Runner)
Would be a great corridor with great connections!🛤️🚆
www.bizjournals.com/twincities/n...
Albert Lea
Mason City
Des Moines
Chariton (California Zephyr)
Kansas City (Southwest Chief/MO Rail Runner)
Would be a great corridor with great connections!🛤️🚆
www.bizjournals.com/twincities/n...
The story of this 1951 tragedy in Woodbridge, N.J. is hauntingly similar to that of the Amtrak Cascades #501 incident in 2017 on opening day of the Port Defiance Bypass: *New track alignment + speed restriction
*Specific reminder to the engineer before
*Nighttime conditions
youtu.be/jqKndUXSRdI?...
*Specific reminder to the engineer before
*Nighttime conditions
youtu.be/jqKndUXSRdI?...
The Wreck of the Broker | What Really Happened in the Woodbridge Train Disaster of 1951
YouTube video by Part-Time Explorer
youtu.be
February 9, 2026 at 9:03 PM
The story of this 1951 tragedy in Woodbridge, N.J. is hauntingly similar to that of the Amtrak Cascades #501 incident in 2017 on opening day of the Port Defiance Bypass: *New track alignment + speed restriction
*Specific reminder to the engineer before
*Nighttime conditions
youtu.be/jqKndUXSRdI?...
*Specific reminder to the engineer before
*Nighttime conditions
youtu.be/jqKndUXSRdI?...
It’s Eglinton Crosstown (Line 5) opening day in the Greater Toronto Area. Hurray, right? 19 kilometers (~12 miles) connecting several existing routes, with further expansion to come. Hopefully rollout goes better than Finch West…
Line 5 is open!
The Eglinton Crosstown AKA Line 5 finally opened today, after 15 long years since the groundbreaking back in Nov 2011. I decided to check it out from the western terminus at Mt. Dennis station. The fastest way for me to get up there was by riding to the Bloor UP/GO station, and…
The Eglinton Crosstown AKA Line 5 finally opened today, after 15 long years since the groundbreaking back in Nov 2011. I decided to check it out from the western terminus at Mt. Dennis station. The fastest way for me to get up there was by riding to the Bloor UP/GO station, and…
Line 5 is open!
The Eglinton Crosstown AKA Line 5 finally opened today, after 15 long years since the groundbreaking back in Nov 2011. I decided to check it out from the western terminus at Mt. Dennis station. The fastest way for me to get up there was by riding to the Bloor UP/GO station, and then to take the UPX. Mt. Dennis is a new stop for the UPX.
jnyyz.wordpress.com
February 8, 2026 at 4:09 PM
It’s Eglinton Crosstown (Line 5) opening day in the Greater Toronto Area. Hurray, right? 19 kilometers (~12 miles) connecting several existing routes, with further expansion to come. Hopefully rollout goes better than Finch West…
Virtual public meeting to be held on Feb. 19 to discuss restoration of Scranton to New York rail | @wfmz.com - www.wfmz.com/news/area/le...
Virtual public meeting to be held on Feb. 19 to discuss restoration of Scranton to New York rail
The Shapiro Administration is moving "full steam ahead" on the Scranton to New York Penn Station (NYP) passenger rail corridor project.
www.wfmz.com
February 7, 2026 at 2:57 PM
Virtual public meeting to be held on Feb. 19 to discuss restoration of Scranton to New York rail | @wfmz.com - www.wfmz.com/news/area/le...
Roanoke looking to build train station at Amtrak platform | WDBJ - www.wdbj7.com/2026/02/02/r...
Roanoke looking to build train station at Amtrak platform
It hopes to build a station where passengers can wait inside, out of the elements, that would have bathrooms, seating, and an information kiosk.
www.wdbj7.com
February 5, 2026 at 11:34 PM
Roanoke looking to build train station at Amtrak platform | WDBJ - www.wdbj7.com/2026/02/02/r...
North Carolina DOT: Asheville rail revival would boost state's economy | Progressive Railroading - www.progressiverailroading.com/passenger_ra...
Rail News - North Carolina DOT: Asheville rail revival would boost state's economy. For Railroad Career Professionals
Progressive Railroading Daily News
www.progressiverailroading.com
February 5, 2026 at 5:19 PM
North Carolina DOT: Asheville rail revival would boost state's economy | Progressive Railroading - www.progressiverailroading.com/passenger_ra...
Eight years ago today (2018), I visited the @purplelinemd.bsky.social Manchester Place station/tunnel portal site, then in the very early stages of construction.
See 2nd photo for a more recent look at the activity there…
See 2nd photo for a more recent look at the activity there…
February 4, 2026 at 11:43 PM
Eight years ago today (2018), I visited the @purplelinemd.bsky.social Manchester Place station/tunnel portal site, then in the very early stages of construction.
See 2nd photo for a more recent look at the activity there…
See 2nd photo for a more recent look at the activity there…
SEPTA rolls out leased rail cars to ease Regional Rail overcrowding | @nbcphiladelphia.com - www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/s... #Philly #Philadelphia #trains #transit #MARC
SEPTA rolls out leased rail cars to ease Regional Rail overcrowding
On Monday, SEPTA added 10 rail cars, leased from Maryland's MARC mass transit system, to Regional Rail lines in an effort to ease overcrowding.
www.nbcphiladelphia.com
February 2, 2026 at 9:26 PM
SEPTA rolls out leased rail cars to ease Regional Rail overcrowding | @nbcphiladelphia.com - www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/s... #Philly #Philadelphia #trains #transit #MARC
Great scene! I’m getting blitzed by a cold today so no extra metal capacity…
January 31, 2026 at 3:08 AM
Great scene! I’m getting blitzed by a cold today so no extra metal capacity…
St. Patrick's Day launch date set for the South Shore Line's West Lake Corridor...
South Shore Line’s West Lake Corridor start set for mid-March
St. Patrick’s Day has been chosen as the tentative date for a ribbon-cutting for the South Shore Line’s new West Lake Corridor route.
www.chicagotribune.com
January 29, 2026 at 3:28 PM
St. Patrick's Day launch date set for the South Shore Line's West Lake Corridor...