Meredith Richards always thought Central Virginia harbored pent-up rail demand. But the former Charlottesville City Councilor admits to a pleasant surprise when Amtrak revealed figures showing that the new daily passenger train service she spearheaded has topped its annual ridership goal— with half a year left to go. Read the full story

In a move that is sure to confound the cross section of vegetarian and vegan environmentalists, Amtrak has begun running its first U.S. biodiesel commuter train. The Heartland Flyer, whose biofuel is derived from beef byproducts, will connect travelers between Oklahoma City and Fort Worth during a one year trial run.

The Guardian reports that the green train’s usage of B20 biofuel reduces hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions by 10 percent, particulates by 15 percent, and sulphates by 20 percent compared to regular diesel. During the 12-month experiment, Amtrak will collect and analyze data on actual emissions and the effects of B20 on the train’s mechanical systems. Read the full story

I’m not a frequent visitor to Baltimore’s Penn Station, but on a recent drop-off of a friend I happened to wander inside to wait with her. As I was sitting there I noticed something different -the old mechanical arrivals/departure board was missing. In its place was a large LCD screen with signs attached that said “testing in progress.” At the service counter, a small TV screen displayed train times and as I looked around I saw other locations where TV screens appeared to also be in testing phase. I guess the times they are a-changing. Read the full story

WASHINGTON – The long-distance trains that serve as the backbone of America ’s national intercity passenger rail network are attracting more passengers as Amtrak continues to implement its comprehensive and multi-year Route Performance Improvement (RPI) program. Read the full story

Amtrak, the U.S. long-distance passenger railroad, said it needs $11 billion in new rail equipment during the next 14 years and is examining ways to fund the purchases. Read the full story

U.S.-bound travellers from several Canadian cities stand to benefit from $8 billion in funding awarded Thursday by the Obama administration to speed up passenger-rail service and introduce high-speed trains across more than a dozen routes in the United States. Read the full story