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Travel By Train Across The USA

Last revised: January 6, 2025

By: Adam Burns

This section looks to cover passenger train travel available state to state, including both commuter and long-distance services.

Amtrak is our nation's intercity passenger train carrier (and has been since 1971) and as such virtually all such services that are provided across state lines is operated by the company.  

Finally, all of the known commuter and light-rail agencies currently in service across the country can be found here. 

As passenger trains have become an increasingly popular mode of transportation in recent years due to spiking oil prices and increased highway congestion Amtrak has been forced to add new trains and/or purchase more equipment to meet.

This task has been made increasingly difficult by an ever-tightening budget due to government oversight and politics in general. 

Routes By State

Because of funding issues a number of state agencies have, for several years now, picked up the tab by subsidizing service.

In some cases these states have added their own trains most notably in the New England region (New York, Connecticut, and Vermont) as well as North Carolina and California.

There have also been recent start-ups such as Nashville's Music City Star and New Mexico's Rail Runner service. 

Delaware & Hudson PA-1 #19 leads the "Laurentian" southbound along Lake Champlain during the late 1960s. Jim Shaughnessy photo. American-Rails.com collection.

Alabama

Alabama hosts a single Amtrak passenger train, the Crescent (New York - New Orleans), which serves stations at Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, and Anniston.

There are also multiple bus stops/stations Amtrak provides across the state. To learn more please visit the carrier's website. 

Alaska

Alaska's passenger train services are provided entirely by the state-owned Alaska Railroad, which also operates freight service. It is the only private company in the United States which also offers regularly scheduled passenger service.

It makes multiple stops along its system between Seward and Fairbanks, via Anchorage although there are different summer and winter schedules. Its notable trains include the Denali Star, Coastal Classic, Glacier Discovery, and Hurricane Turn. For complete information please visit the railroad's website. 

Arizona

Arizona is served by two passenger trains, both operated by Amtrak. To the north the Southwest Chief (Chicago - Los Angeles) stops at Winslow, Flagstaff, Williams Junction, and Kingman.

Additionally, to the south there is the Sunset Limited (New Orleans - Los Angeles) serving Benson, Tucson, Yuma, and Maricopa. Bus service to various cities is also offered. Please visit Amtrak's website to learn more.

In 2008, the state's first light-rail operation entered service; known as Metro Light Rail it runs 20 miles and serves the cities of Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa. Finally, the Sun Link streetcar line opened in Tucson in 2014, running 3.9 miles within city limits. 

Arkansas

Arkansas is served by one Amtrak train, the Texas Eagle (Chicago - Los Angeles, via Dallas/San Antonio), which makes stops at Walnut Ridge, Little Rock, Malvern, Arkadelphia, Hope, and Texarkana.

There is no bus service offered to other cities across the state. Finally, in Little Rock operates a heritage streetcar system known as the River Rail Streetcar.

It was opened in November of 2004 and expanded in 2007; currently it operates 3.4 miles between Little Rock and North Little Rock utilizing historic Birney trolley cars. 

California

California has multiple passenger and commuter rail services. They are so expansive they will only be briefly highlighted here.

To learn more about them please visit each website. Amtrak's intercity services include:

  • California Zephyr (Chicago - San Francisco)

  • Coast Starlight (Seattle - Los Angeles)

  • Southwest Chief (Chicago - Los Angeles)

  • Sunset Limited (New Orleans - Los Angeles)

  • Texas Eagle (Chicago - Los Angeles, via Dallas/San Antonio)

The state also operates station stops (both rail and bus) that provide connecting services to these trains.

California's subsidized commuter rail services, operated in conjunction with Amtrak via the heading "Amtrak California," include:

  • Capitol Corridor (which serves Oakland/San Francisco-Sacramento-San Jose)

  • Pacific Surfliner (which operates along the coast between San Luis Obispo, Los Angeles, and San Diego) 

  • San Joaquin (between Oakland and Bakersfield)


Additionally, there are numerous other state or city-funded transit services including:

  • Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), a rapid transit system serving its namesake region

  • Altamont Corridor Express (ACE), a traditional commuter rail service in the Bay Area

  • Caltrain, another standard, heavy-rail system that also serves the Bay Area

  • San Francisco's classic trolley/cable cars which operate within the city

  • Metrolink, which operates a traditional commuter rail service in the Los Angeles region

  • COASTER service between San Diego and Oceanside (traditional commuter rail service)

  • Metro Rail, a light rail service also located in Los Angeles

  • SPRINTER light-rail service running between Oceanside and Escondido

  • Sacramento's RT Light Rail system spanning nearly 39 miles

  • San Diego's trolley system

  • San Francisco's Muni Metro light-rail service

  • San Francisco's F Market & Wharves system which utilizes historic PCC streetcar

  • Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority serving the San Jose area

These provide the bulk of California's commuter/light rail services, and each offers their own website for information including routes, schedules, and fares. 

Colorado

Colorado has two passenger trains which serve the state, both operated by Amtrak. The California Zephyr (Chicago - San Francisco) stops at Fort Morgan, Denver (Union Station), Fraser, Granby, Glenwood Springs, and Grand Junction.

The Southwest Chief (Chicago - Los Angeles) also makes stops in the state at Lamar, La Junta, and Trinidad. Finally, a few cities are also provided bus services. To learn more please visit Amtrak's website. 

Connecticut

Connecticut is one of several Northeastern states providing expansive passenger/commuter rail services. Amtrak's long-distance trains include:

  • "Northeast Regional" service (Boston - Norfolk/Newport News) with stops at Mystic, New London, Old Saybrook, Windsor Locks, Windsor, Hartford, Kensington, Meriden, Wallingford, New Haven, Bridgeport, and Stamford

  • "Shuttle" service between New Haven and Springfield, Massachusetts

Additionally, the Vermonter (St. Albans - Washington, D.C.) stops at Hartford, Kensington, Meriden, Wallingford, New Haven, Bridgeport, and Stamford.

There are also state-sponsored services including the Metro-North Railroad (a division of MTA) providing connections into New York City with trains reaching as far as New Haven, Waterbury, Danbury, and New Canaan.

Finally, Connecticut also operates the Shore Line East commuter service throughout the state. For information about these services please visit each agency's respective website. 

Delaware

Delaware may be small but because the Northeast Corridor travels through its northern fringe many trains pass through the state.

However, none actually stop in the state. It is served by:

  • Amtrak's high-speed Acela Express (Washington - Boston) at Wilmington

  • Cardinal (New York - Chicago) at Wilmington

  • Carolinian/Piedmont at (New York - Charlotte) Wilmington, Crescent (New York - New Orleans) at Wilmington

  • "Northeast Regional" service (Boston - Norfolk/Newport News) at Wilmington and Newark

  • Silver Service (New York - Savannah/Jacksonville/Orlando/Tampa/Miami) at Wilmington

  • Vermonter (St. Albans - Washington) at Wilmington

Florida

Amtrak currently operates two services in the state including:

  • Auto Train (operates between only Lorton, Virginia and Sanford, Florida)

  • Silver Service (New York - Jacksonville/Miami/Orlando) with stops at Jacksonville, Palatka, DeLand, Winter Park, Orlando, Kissimmee, Tampa, Lakeland, Winter Haven, Sebring, Okeechobee, West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Deerfield Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and Miami

Also, Florida is home to three commuter rail systems: 

  • Tri-Rail has served Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach since 1987

  • SunRail began service in 2014 within Orlando, currently utilizing a 32-mile network with 12 stations

  • All Aboard Florida, now known as Brightline, is a new privately-operated and funded service operating between Miami, West Palm Beach, and Orlando

Finally, the TECO Line Streetcar System is a small trolley service opened in 2002, running 2.7 miles within the streets of Tampa. 

Georgia

Georgia is served by two routes and two Amtrak services. To the west traveling through Gainesville and Atlanta is Amtrak's Crescent, which makes an additional stop in Toccoa.

To the east traveling through Savannah and Jesup is Amtrak's popular Silver Service.

Finally, Atlanta operates a light-rail transit service known as MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) offering four different services; the Gold Line, Blue Line, Green Line, and Red Line.

Finally, the city's streetcar system opened in 2014, offering a 2.7 mile "Downtown Loop."

Hawaii

Currently Hawaii has no passenger rail service although an effort is under way to build a light rail transit system around Honolulu. Known as the Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor Project, or HART, it will run 20 miles between East Kapolei and Ala Moana Center. The system is expected to open in 2017. 

Illinois

Given that Chicago is "Ground Zero" of railroad operations in this country it should come as no surprise that nearly two-dozen different intercity and regional trains serve Illinois. Several of Amtrak's services converge either in Chicago or cross the state.

Chicago is also home to one of the busiest commuter rail systems in the country, Metra, while the "South Shore Line" (Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District/NICTD) provides service as far east as South Bend, Indiana (part of the historic Chicago, South Shore & South Bend system).

Finally, Chicago's CTA also operates the rapid transit system nicknamed the "L" serving the city and nearby suburbs. 

Indiana

Being just due east of Chicago, Indiana has multiple trains traveling through the state (from Ohio, Michigan, and Kentucky) heading towards the Windy City.

These Amtrak trains include:

  • Capitol Limited (Chicago - Washington) stopping at Waterloo, Elkhart, and South Bend

  • Cardinal/Hoosier State (New York - Chicago) stopping at Connersville, Indianapolis, Crawfordsville, Lafayette, Rensselaer, and Dyer

  • Lake Shore Limited (New York - Chicago) at South Bend, Waterloo, and Elkhart

  • Michigan Services (Chicago - Port Huron/Detroit - Pontiac which includes the Blue Water, Pere Marquette, and Wolverine) at Hammond and Michigan City.

Finally, the "South Shore Line" (Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District/NICTD) commuter system serving Chicago offers service as far east as South Bend. 

Iowa

Iowa has two Amtrak trains which serve the state, the California Zephyr (Chicago - San Francisco) heading west makes stops at Burlington, Mt. Pleasant, Ottumwa, Osceola, and Creston while the transcontinental Southwest Chief (Chicago - Los Angeles) stops at Fort Madison. Finally, Amtrak provides bus service to Davenport. 

Kansas

Kansas is served by one long-distance Amtrak train, the Southwest Chief (Chicago - Los Angeles), with stops at Lawrence, Topeka, Newton, Hutchinson, Dodge City, and Garden City. 

Kentucky

Kentucky is served by Amtrak's north-to-south City of New Orleans (Chicago - New Orleans) at Fulton. Additionally, the carrier's east-to-west Cardinal/Hoosier State (New York - Chicago) stops in Ashland, South Portsmouth, and Maysville. 

Louisiana

Louisiana is served by Amtrak's long-distance City of New Orleans (Chicago - New Orleans) at New Orleans and Hammond.

The Sunset Limited (New Orleans - Los Angeles) also serves the state at New Orleans, Schriever, New Iberia, Lafayette, and Lake Charles.

Lastly, the Crescent (New York - New Orleans) reaches New Orleans while also stopping at Slidell. Amtrak also provides bus service to Baton Rouge and Shreveport.

Finally, New Orleans' historic streetcar system, which dates back to 1835, leisurely takes visitors and commuters over more than 22 miles in the downtown area.

It is operated by the the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) via four different segments; the St. Charles Avenue Line, the Riverfront Line, the Canal Street Line, and the Loyola Avenue Line. 

Maine

Maine is served by one Amtrak service, the Downeaster running between Brunswick and Boston. The train's other stops within the state are at Portland, Freeport, Old Orchard Beach, Saco, and Wells. Finally, Amtrak provides bus service to several cities throughout Maine.

Maryland

Thanks to the busy Northeast Corridor located within its borders Maryland is served by multiple regional and intercity Amtrak trains including:

  • Acela Express which makes multiple stops between Boston and Washington, D.C.

  • "Northeast Regional" service operating between Boston and Norfolk/Newport News

  • Capitol Limited (Washington - Chicago) stopping at Cumberland

  • Cardinal (New York - Chicago) with stops in Baltimore

  • Carolinian/Piedmont (New York - Charlotte) with stops at Baltimore

  • Crescent (New York - New Orleans) with stops at Baltimore

  • Silver Service trains (New York - Florida points) stopping at Baltimore

  • Vermonter (St. Albans - Washington) with stops at Baltimore, New Carrollton, and the Baltimore–Washington International Airport

Amtrak also provides bus service to a number of cities in Maryland.

Finally, the Baltimore Light Rail has provided rapid transit service to the city since 1992 utilizing a 30-mile system and Washington, D.C. has operated the Metro subway system since 1976 covering 117 miles over six different lines.

Additionally, MARC Train provides commuter/heavy rail service via a 187-mile system linking Washington and Baltimore as well as the outlying communities at Perryville/Frederick, Maryland and Martinsburg, West Virginia.

Also, the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) commuter system serves the state's northern region with two routes (the Manassas Line and Fredericksburg Line) running into Washington. 

An Amtrak HHP-8 leads a set of Amfleet cars over the Susquehanna River at Havre de Grace, Maryland on May 12, 2006. Wade Massie photo.

Massachusetts

Amtrak provides extensive service in Massachusetts. Its long-distance, intercity trains include:

  • Downeaster serving Brunswick, Maine and Boston with stops in Haverhill and Woburn

  • Lake Shore Limited (New York/Boston - Chicago) with stops in Pittsfield, Springfield, Worcester, Framingham, and Boston

  • Vermonter (St. Albans - Washington, D.C.) with stops in Amherst and Springfield

Additionally, Amtrak's high-speed Acela Express runs throughout the Northeast Corridor between Boston and Washington as does the "Northeast Regional" service (extending as far south as Norfolk/Newport News).

Finally, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) operates extensive commuter rail and rapid transit service throughout the greater Boston area. 

Michigan

Michigan is served by three Amtrak trains including the Blue Water, Pere Marquette, and Wolverine which are collectively part of its "Michigan Services."

These trains make station stops at New Buffalo, Niles, Dowagiac, Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, East Lansing, Durand, Flint, Lapeer, Port Huron, St. Joseph, Bangor, Holland, Grand Rapids, Albion, Jackson, Ann Arbor, Dearborn, Detroit, Royal Oak, and Pontiac. Amtrak also provides expansive bus service across the state. 

Minnesota

Minnesota is primarily served by Amtrak's Empire Builder (Chicago - Seattle) with stops in Winona, Red Wing, St. Paul (at restored Union Depot), St. Cloud, Staples, and Detroit Lakes.

The state also began opening commuter/light rail services: in 2004 the METRO rapid transit system opened in the Twin Cities via three lines serving 41 stations; in 2009 the commuter/heavy rail system known as the Northstar Line also entered service covering 40 miles from Big Lake to downtown Minneapolis at Target Field.

Mississippi

Mississippi is served by two of Amtrak's premier trains; the north-to-south City of New Orleans (Chicago - New Orleans) makes stops at Greenwood, Yazoo City, Jackson, Hazlehurst, Brookhaven, and McComb; and the Crescent (New York - New Orleans) stops at Meridian (Union Station), Laurel, Hattiesburg, and Picayune.

Amtrak also offers bus service to Gulfport and Hattiesburg while Greyhound service is available to Biloxi. 

Missouri

Missouri is served by three of Amtrak's intercity trains;

  • The regional Missouri River Runner (St. Louis - Kansas City) makes additional stops in Independence, Lee's Summit, Warrensburg, Sedalia, Jefferson City, Hermann, Washington, and Kirkwood

  • Southwest Chief (Chicago - Los Angeles) stops in Kansas City and La Plata

  • Texas Eagle (Chicago - Dallas/San Antonio - Los Angeles) serves St. Louis and Poplar Bluff

Finally, St. Louis operates its MetroLink system, a light-rail/rapid transit service spanning 46 miles and connecting Lambert-St. Louis International Airport; Shrewsbury, Missouri; Scott Air Force Base; Shiloh, Illinois; and downtown St. Louis. 

Montana

Montana has attempted to increase its passenger rail services offered by Amtrak over the years.

However, currently only the transcontinental Empire Builder (Chicago - Seattle) serves the state stopping in Wolf Point, Glasgow, Malta, Havre, Shelby, Cut Bank, Browning, East Glacier Park, Essex, West Glacier, Whitefish, and Libby.

There is also bus stations or stops offered at/to Billings, Bozeman, Butte, Glendive, Livingston, Miles City, and Sidney. Finally, Greyhound service is available at Missoula. 

Nebraska

Nebraska is served only by Amtrak's long-distance California Zephyr (Chicago - Denver - San Francisco) which serves Omaha, Hastings, Lincoln, Holdrege, and McCook. There are no bus services offered within the state. 

Nevada

Nevada's only Amtrak service is via the long-distance California Zephyr(Chicago - Denver - San Francisco) with station stops at Elko, Reno, and Winnemucca.

There is also bus service to Las Vegas, Laughlin, Sparks, and Stateline. Finally, the "X Train" or Las Vegas Railway Express is a relatively new company which plans to provide upscale, luxury passenger rail service between Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

There have been multiple delays since the company was launched in 2010 and a scheduled start-date is unknown. 

New Hampshire

New Hampshire is served only by Amtrak's Downeaster (Brunswick - Boston) with stops at Dover, Durham, and Exeter. Amtrak also offers bus stops at Berlin, Conway, Lincoln, Littleton, Manchester, New Hampton, Plymouth, and Tilton. 

Amtrak's "Capitol Limited" stops at Martinsburg, West Virginia on March 24, 2014. Jon Wright photo.

New Jersey

Being home to the Northeast Corridor there are numerous passenger trains which pass through New Jersey including:

  • Acela Express (stops at Newar, Iselin, and Trenton)

  • "Northeast Regional" (stops at Newark, Iselin, New Brunswick, Princeton Junction, and Trenton)

  • Cardinal (New York - Chicago) at Newark and Trenton

  • Carolinian/Piedmont (New York - Charlotte) at Newark and Trenton

  • Crescent (New York - New Orleans) at Newark and Trenton

  • Keystone (New York - Harrisburg) at Trenton, Princeton Junction, New Brunswick, Iselin, and Newark

  • Palmetto/Silver Service trains (New York - Florida points) at Newark and Trenton

  • Pennsylvanian (New York - Pittsburgh) at Newark and Trenton

  • Vermonter (St. Albans - Washington) at Newark, Iselin, and Trenton

Finally, NJ Transit provides extensive commuter rail and rapid transit services throughout the northern region of the state to provide transportation into and out of New York City.

Additionally, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), serving the greater Philadelphia area, operates as far as Atlantic City.

Also, PATH (Port Authority Trans-Hudson) is a joint New York/New Jersey rapid transit operation serving Newark, Harrison, Hoboken, and Jersey City as well as Manhattan in New York City. It is operated by the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey.

New Mexico

New Mexico is served by Amtrak's Southwest Chief (Chicago - Los Angeles) to the north with stops at Raton, Las Vegas, Lamy, Albuquerque, and Gallup. The Sunset Limited (New Orleans - Los Angeles) also makes stops at Deming and Lordsburg.

Amtrak also provides bus service to Las Cruces. Finally, the state-funded New Mexico Rail Runner Express, opened in 2006, provides commuter rail connections over a 97-mile system between Santa Fe and Belen via Albuquerque. 

New York

Amtrak provides multiple long-distance and regional rail services within the state of New York. It also offers bus stops at Dunkirk, Jamestown, and Lake Placid. 

The state also funds several of its own heavy commuter rail and rapid transit/light rail services including the Long Island Railroad and Metro-North Railroad, operated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).

Additionally, PATH (Port Authority Trans-Hudson) is a joint New York/New Jersey rapid transit operation serving Newark, Harrison, Hoboken, and Jersey City as well as Manhattan in New York City.

It is operated by the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey. Finally, Buffalo Metro Rail provides light rail service over 6.4 miles of trackage within the city limits. For more information regarding all of these services please visit their individual websites. 

North Carolina

North Carolina is served by several Amtrak trains including a few that are partially subsidized by the state; t

  • Carolinian/Piedmont (New York - Charlotte) serves Rocky Mount, Wilson, Selma, Raleigh, Cary, Durham, Burlington, Greensboro, High Point, Salisbury, Kannapolis, and Charlotte

  • Crescent (New York - New Orleans) stops at Greensboro, High Point, Salisbury, Charlotte, and Gastonia

  • Palmetto/Silver Service trains (New York - Raleigh - Florida points) stop in Rocky Mount, Wilson, Selma, Raleigh, and Fayetteville. 

Amtrak also offers bus service to various locations. In 2004 the city of Charlotte launched its new rapid transit/light service known as Lynx Rapid Transit, operating 9.6 miles.

The state's long-term plan is to have passenger service established from the coast (Wilmington) to the western mountains (Asheville). You can learn more about their website, NCByTrain.org. 

North Dakota

North Dakota is served only by Amtrak's long-distance Empire Builder (Chicago - Seattle) which stops at primarily at Fargo, Grand Forks, Devils Lake, Rugby, Minot, Stanley, and Williston. 

Ohio

Ohio is served by three intercity Amtrak trains. These include the Capitol Limited (Washington - Chicago) with stops in Alliance, Cleveland, Elyria, Sandusky, and Toledo; Lake Shore Limited (New York/Boston - Chicago) serving Bryan, Toledo, Sandusky, Elyria, and Cleveland; and the Cardinal/Hoosier State stopping in Cincinnati.

Finally, Cleveland offers light rail/rapid transit service via two lines that span more than 15 miles stopping at 34 stations.

The system entered service in 1913 and has went by different names over the years. For more information about this service please visit the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority's website. 

Oklahoma

Oklahoma is only served by Amtrak's regional Heartland Flyer, which connects Oklahoma City with Fort Worth. Intermediate stops include Norman, Purcell, Pauls Valley, Ardmore, Gainesville (Texas).

Starting in 2015 a trial passenger train will link Oklahoma City with Tulsa; schedules and fares are not yet known. 

Oregon

Oregon has seen its passenger rail services steadily increase over the years.

Today, two intercity Amtrak trains make stops within the state; the Coast Starlight (Seattle - Los Angeles) serves Portland, Salem, Albany, Eugene, Chemult, and Klamath Falls; the Amtrak Cascades (Vancouver, British Columbia - Seattle - Eugene) is a regional service with stops at Eugene, Albany, Salem, Oregon City, and Portland.

Amtrak also offers extensive bus service within Oregon. Additionally, the state plays host to a commuter rail system known as the Westside Express Service; initiated in 2009 it spans nearly 15 miles between Beaverton and Wilsonville in the Portland metropolitan area.

Finally, Portland is also home to two light-rail system; the Portland Streetcar began service in 2001 via two lines that total 7.2 miles within the downtown area; also, MAX Light Rail serves the city's much broader metropolitan area via a system of more than 52 miles and 87 stations. 

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is served by more than a dozen regional and intercity passenger trains operated by Amtrak.

These trains operate on either the Northeast Corridor serving north-south regions, or connect Philadelphia - Pittsburgh, and Cumberland - Pittsburgh as well as points further west.

Finally, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) provides extensive commuter and light-rail service within the greater Philadelphia region. Additionally, Pittsburgh Light Rail ("The T") provides rapid transit service via a 26-mile system. 

Rhode Island

While small, tiny Rhode Island being part of the Northeast Corridor is served by Amtrak's regional services the high-speed Acela Express (stops at Providence) and "Northeast Regional" (stops at Providence, West Kingston, and Westerly). 

South Carolina

South Carolina is served by Amtrak's Silver Service trains as well as the Palmetto (New York - Florida points) with stops in Dillon, Florence, Kingstree, North Charleston, Yemassee, Camden, Columbia, and Denmark. Finally, the Crescent (New York - New Orleans) makes stops in Spartanburg, Greenville, and Clemson. 

South Dakota

At this time South Dakota has no passenger train service. 

Tennessee

Surprisingly, the state of Tennessee is served by only a single Amtrak long-distance train with the City of New Orleans (Chicago - New Orleans) stopping in Newbern and Memphis.

Also, there a bus station is offered in Nashville. In 2006 a new commuter rail service was launched to serve Nashville. Known as the Music City Star it currently runs 32 miles and serves 6 stations.

Finally, in Memphis the MATA Trolley utilizes historic streetcars as it operates a 10-mile system within city limits with 25 stops via three routes. 

Texas

There are currently three long-distance Amtrak trains serving the Lone Star State:

  • Heartland Flyer (Oklahoma City - Fort Worth) stops in Fort Worth and Gainesville


  • Sunset Limited (Los Angeles - New Orleans) serves Beaumont, Houston, San Antonio, Del Rio, Sanderson, Alpine, and El Paso
  • Texas Eagle (Chicago - Los Angeles) makes stops in Marshall, Longview, Mineola, Dallas, Fort Worth, Cleburne, McGregor, Temple, Taylor, Austin, San Marcos, San Antonio, Del Rio, Sanderson, Alpine, and El Paso

There are also three notable commuter/heavy rail systems operating in the state:

  • The A-Train began in 2011 serving Denton County via 6 station stops


  • Trinity Railway Express began service in 1996 serving Dallas/Fort Worth over a system of 34 miles and 10 stations; and Capital MetroRail serves the Austin area, which began service in 2009 over a 32-mile system with 9 station stops
  • Finally, Dallas features two light-rail services; the McKinney Avenue Transit Authority is a historic streetcar operation while the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) is a traditional rapid transit system spanning 90 miles and 62 station stops

Also, Houston's METRORail, which began in 2004 features a 12.8 mile system with 24 stations. 

Utah

Amtrak's only intercity train serving Utah is the California Zephyr (San Francisco - Chicago) with stops in Green River, Helper, Provo, and Salt Lake City. There are also bus services Salt Lake City and St. George. Utah's FrontRunner heavy commuter rail system connects Salt Lake City, Provo, and Ogden.

It began service in 2008 with 16 stations and is 88 miles in length. Finally, two light-rail systems serve Salt Lake City including TRAX and the S Line. 

Vermont

Vermont is served by two Amtrak passenger trains; the Ethan Allen Express (Rutland - New York) stops at Rutland and Castleton while the Vermonter (St. Albans - Washington) serves St. Albans, St Albans, Essex Junction, Waterbury, Montpelier, Randolph, White River Junction, Windsor, Bellows Falls, and Brattleboro. 

Another experimental service was Amtrak's "ICE Train," a Siemens product from Germany and precursor to Acela. It is seen here heading west near Port Byron, New York on August 13, 1993. Wade Massie photo.

Virginia

There are several long-distance or regional Amtrak trains that serve the state of Virginia including:

  • Carolinian/Piedmont (New York - Charlotte) stopping at Alexandria, Quantico, Fredericksburg, Richmond, and Petersburg

  • Crescent (New York - New Orleans) with stops at Alexandria, Manassas, Culpeper, Charlottesville, Lynchburg, and Danville

  • Palmetto/Silver Service trains (New York - Florida points) with stops at Alexandria, Richmond, and Petersburg

  • Cardinal (New York - Chicago) with stops at Alexandria Manassas, Culpeper, Charlottesville, Staunton, and Clifton Forge

  • "Northeast Regional" (Boston - Norfolk/Newport News) extending as far south as Newport News

  • Auto Train (Lorton - Sanford, Florida) launches from Lorton

There is also bus service at Blacksburg, Roanoke, and Virginia Beach. In 2011 a new light-rail service was launched serving Norfolk and known as The Tide.

It operates 7.4 miles and serves 11 stations.  In addition, Virginia Railway Express provides commuter service to the state's northern metropolitan area.

Washington

Amtrak's services to Washington State includes:

  • Cascades (Vancouver, British, Columbia - Eugene, Oregon) with stops in Vancouver, Kelso, Centralia, Lacey, Tacoma, Tukwila, Seattle, Edmonds, Everett, Stanwood, Mount Vernon, and Bellingham

  • Coast Starlight (Seattle - Los Angeles) serving Seattle, Tacoma, Lacy, Centralia, Kelso, and Vancouver

  • Empire Builder (Seattle - Chicago) stopping at Spokane, Pasco, Wishram, Bingen, Vancouver, Ephrata, Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Everett, Edmonds, and Seattle. Extensive bus services are also provided to various cities within Washington

Finally, the state-sponsored Sounder Commuter Rail system provides commuter service between Seattle, Everett, and Lakewood via an 82-mile system serving 12 stations.

Also, Sound Transit provides extensive light rail services within the Puget Sound region while Seattle's streetcar system provides service within the downtown area. 

Amtrak AEM-7 #948 races through Halethorpe, Maryland with train #158 on May 6, 2006. Wade Massie photo.

West Virginia

West Virginia's only intercity service as the current time is Amtrak's Cardinal (New York - Chicago) which offers a handful of stops across the southern part of the state between White Sulphur and Huntington running near the beautiful New River much of the way.

Finally, Maryland's MARC Train commuter service extends as far west as Martinsburg where it takes passenger back into the Washington, D.C./Baltimore metropolitan region. Its entire system spans about 187 miles and extends through other parts of Maryland. 

Wisconsin

The one long-distance Amtrak train to serve Wisconsin is the Empire Builder (Chicago - Seattle) which stops at Milwaukee, Columbus, Portage, Wisconsin Dells, Tomah, and La Crosse.

The regional Hiawatha (Chicago - Milwaukee) makes an intermediate stop at Sturtevant. The state also features extensive bus services.

Finally, the Kenosha Streetcar service has a history that traces back to the early interurban/streetcar era at the turn of the 20th century. It currently operates on a 2-mile loop. For more information about Amtrak and the streetcar please visit their respective websites. 

Wyoming

Wyoming offers no passenger train services at this time. 

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  1. Goleta Depot Stays Open Behind Storm Fencing

    Nov 13, 26 07:20 PM

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    The City of Goleta says fencing and sandbags protect the historic depot. The museum building is closed for the season. Rides continue, and the Candy Cane Train runs November 28 through December 27, 20…

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  2. Brandywine Museum Opens Its Holiday Railroad

    Nov 13, 26 07:02 PM

    The Brandywine Museum of Art opens the holiday model railroad on November 14, 2026. It runs through January 10, 2027, with holiday admission.

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  3. Great Northern Steam Roster (Built Since 1900)

    Nov 13, 26 04:14 PM

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    Great Northern steam locomotives built since 1900. Drury quantity column 1,376. Rebuilds counted once, 1,178 frames. Last steam run was in August 1957.

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  4. Illinois Railway Museum Adds Three Burlington Gallery Cars

    Nov 13, 26 01:54 PM

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    The Illinois Railway Museum says Burlington gallery coaches 702 and 709 and cab car 791 arrived on November 11, 2026.

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  5. Great Northern Railway: Map, Logo, Rosters, History

    Nov 13, 26 01:41 PM

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    James J. Hill and the Great Northern, from the St. Paul and Pacific to the last spike near Scenic on January 6, 1893, and into Burlington Northern at 12:01 a.m. on March 2, 1970. Steam and diesel rost…

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  6. West Chester Lists Its 2026 Holiday Trains

    Nov 13, 26 01:25 PM

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    The West Chester Railroad lists a 2026 Christmas Tree Train at 8 a.m. and a separate Santa Express of 75 minutes. The event pages do not print a calendar.

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  7. Burlington Northern Diesel Roster (All-Time)

    Nov 13, 26 12:49 PM

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    Burlington Northern diesel roster of locomotives bought new from 1970 through December 30, 1996. Electro-Motive and General Electric, with builder serials and order numbers. Predecessor fleets stay on…

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  8. Atherton Train Station Museum Opens in the Old Depot

    Nov 13, 26 12:21 PM

    The Almanac reports that the Atherton Train Station Museum opened October 18 with six dioramas in the old depot beside Town Center.

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  9. Manheim and Lititz Study a Strasburg Excursion

    Nov 13, 26 12:15 PM

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    LancasterOnline reports that a working group and the Strasburg Rail Road are studying passenger trips between Manheim and Lititz if a line purchase goes through.

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  10. Berkshire Scenic Railway Works to Replace Burned RDC

    Nov 13, 26 09:53 AM

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    A fire on October 24, 2026 damaged New Haven 41 at the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum. Volunteers are trying to finish Boston and Maine 6126 for the Tinseliner.

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  11. Conway Scenic Lists the Winter Mountaineer

    Nov 13, 26 12:37 AM

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    Conway Scenic Railroad lists Winter Mountaineer trips from North Conway on select dates from November 28, 2026, through March 2027.

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  12. Burlington Northern Railroad: Map, Logo, History

    Nov 12, 26 05:29 PM

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    Burlington Northern, formed at 12:01 a.m. on March 2, 1970 from the Hill Lines. Powder River coal, the Frisco merger of November 21, 1980, and the Santa Fe combination of 1995–96. The diesel ros…

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  13. Age of Steam Roundhouse Receives Chesapeake & Ohio 1308

    Nov 12, 26 04:05 PM

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    Chesapeake & Ohio 2-6-6-2 No. 1308 has arrived at the Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum in Sugarcreek, Ohio, from Huntington, West Virginia.

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  14. Hoosier Valley Santa Trains Begin November 21

    Nov 12, 26 03:59 PM

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    The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum lists Santa trains on five Saturdays from November 21 through December 19, 2026, leaving North Judson, Indiana.

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  15. Strasburg Rail Road Closes for Track Replacement

    Nov 12, 26 12:44 PM

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    The Strasburg Rail Road homepage says the railroad is closed for track replacement until November 21, 2026.

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  16. Union Pacific Diesel Roster (All-Time)

    Nov 12, 26 12:22 PM

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    Union Pacific diesel roster with builder serials and order numbers. Alco, Baldwin, Fairbanks-Morse, Electro-Motive, and General Electric. Merger partners keep their own roster pages.

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  17. Escanaba & Lake Superior Weighs a Trail on the Wells Grade

    Nov 12, 26 12:15 PM

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    Michigan and the Escanaba & Lake Superior Railroad are discussing a sale of 60 miles of inactive grade between Wells and Channing for a trail, with the grade kept for possible rail use.

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  18. Oklahoma Railway Museum Repaints Santa Fe FP45 90

    Nov 12, 26 11:58 AM

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    The Oklahoma Railway Museum is repainting Santa Fe FP45 90 in the blue-and-yellow Freight Bonnet it wore as 5990. The museum does not plan to operate the locomotive.

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  19. Pullmans Move Toward a Chicago Home With a Norfolk Southern Switch

    Nov 12, 26 11:49 AM

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    Friends of the Pullman National Historical Park held a spike-setting on November 9, 2026. Norfolk Southern has installed a switch and committed $250,000 toward a future rail connection.

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  20. Sloss Furnaces Entrance Gets a Norfolk Southern Grant

    Nov 12, 26 11:44 AM

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    Norfolk Southern awarded a $146,460 Thriving Communities grant to the Sloss Furnaces Foundation for the 32nd Street entrance in Birmingham.

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  21. Union Pacific 2-10-2 5511 Passes Its First Steam Test

    Nov 12, 26 12:12 AM

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    Union Pacific 2-10-2 5511 passed a steam test at Silvis, Illinois. Railfan and Railroad reports a summer 2027 target. A November 6 Trains report had no immediate operating plan.

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  22. Union Pacific Steam Roster

    Nov 12, 26 12:03 AM

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    Union Pacific steam locomotives built since 1900. Oregon Short Line, Los Angeles and Salt Lake, and Oregon-Washington Railroad and Navigation Company numbers, with the 4-12-2s, Challengers, Big Boys…

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  23. Union Pacific Railroad: Map, History, Logo

    Nov 11, 26 11:56 PM

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    The Union Pacific, from the Pacific Railway Act of July 1, 1862, and Promontory Summit on May 10, 1869, through E. H. Harriman and the mergers that built the modern railroad. Steam and diesel rosters…

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  24. Texas and Pacific Railway: Map, History, Timetables

    Nov 10, 26 10:33 PM

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    The Texas & Pacific Railway, the federally chartered southern transcontinental that stopped at Sierra Blanca and became the Missouri Pacific's Texas and Louisiana main line. Merged October 15, 1976.

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  25. Texas and Pacific Steam Locomotives: Texas Types and Mountains

    Nov 10, 26 10:30 PM

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    Texas & Pacific steam: 70 Lima 2-10-4 Texas types, 600-669, classes I-1 through I-1d, and 10 Mountains, 900-909. No. 610 is at Palestine.

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  26. Texas and Pacific Diesel Roster (All-Time)

    Nov 10, 26 10:29 PM

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    All-time diesel roster of locomotives built for the Texas & Pacific. 246 units: E7s, E8s, 83 F7A and 35 F7B, NW2s, SW7s, SW8s, SW9s, GP7s, GP9s, GP18s, and GP35s. Serials and order numbers.

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  27. Santa Fe-Southern Pacific Railroad: Merger, History, Paint Scheme

    Nov 10, 26 10:07 PM

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    The proposed Santa Fe-Southern Pacific merger, from the 1980 attempt and the 1983 holding company through the ICC denial, the Kodachrome paint, and the sale of the Southern Pacific.

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  28. CSX Santa Train Will Feature Locomotives 250 and 2026

    Nov 10, 26 01:51 PM

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    The CSX Santa Train will feature locomotives 250 and 2026 on November 21, 2026. The 84th running covers 110 miles from Shelbiana, Kentucky, to Kingsport, Tennessee.

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  29. Denton County Asks to Extend Stadler Car Relief

    Nov 10, 26 01:05 PM

    Denton County Transit Authority has asked the FRA to extend a waiver for its Stadler diesel multiple-unit cars. Comments run to January 11, 2027.

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  30. FreightCar America Reports Third-Quarter Results

    Nov 10, 26 01:02 PM

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    FreightCar America reported third-quarter revenue of $76.5 million and 662 railcar deliveries. Backlog stood at 2,660 cars valued at $284.5 million.

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  31. Amtrak Has Filed a Train Control Amendment

    Nov 10, 26 12:53 PM

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    Amtrak asked the FRA on October 26, 2026, to amend the safety plan for its Interoperable Electronic Train Management System. Comments are due November 30, 2026.

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  32. SunRail Signal Waiver Is Open for Comment

    Nov 10, 26 12:25 PM

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    FRA has asked for comment on a petition to extend signal-testing relief on the Central Florida Rail Corridor. The notice names both the corridor and CSXT. Comments run to January 11, 2027.

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  33. Cars and Units Rose With BNSF Third-Quarter Earnings

    Nov 10, 26 12:18 PM

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    Berkshire Hathaway reports that after-tax BNSF earnings increased 19.3 percent in the third quarter of 2026, with car and unit volumes up 3.9 percent.

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  34. Amtrak Chicago Platforms Are Moving Toward Level Boarding

    Nov 10, 26 12:13 PM

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    Amtrak says construction is underway soon on the first level boarding platforms at Chicago Union Station, a 112 million dollar, 30-month project.

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  35. Maryland Has New Penn Line Times on November 16

    Nov 10, 26 12:07 PM

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    MARC Penn Line schedules change on November 16, 2026, after Amtrak trains return to regular schedules. Weekend southbound trains are unchanged.

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  36. Building Contract for Metrolink Sidings Goes to Granite

    Nov 10, 26 12:00 PM

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    Granite says Metrolink awarded a 51.5 million dollar SCORE contract for sidings near downtown Los Angeles and in Rancho Cucamonga.

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  37. EMD "F2" Locomotives: Specs, Roster, History

    Nov 10, 26 12:22 AM

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    EMD F2, the 1,350-horsepower bridge between the FT and the F3. 104 locomotives, July through November 1946. Spotting features, specifications, and the production roster.

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  38. Southern Pacific Diesel Roster (All-Time)

    Nov 10, 26 12:08 AM

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    Southern Pacific diesel roster with builder serials, order numbers, Texas and New Orleans numbers, and the 1965 renumbering. Alco, Baldwin, Fairbanks-Morse, Electro-Motive, General Electric, Krauss-Ma…

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  39. Southern Pacific Steam Roster: Post 1900

    Nov 09, 26 11:56 PM

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    Southern Pacific steam locomotives built since 1900. Pacific Lines, Texas and Louisiana Lines, cab-forwards, the GS 4-8-4s, and five narrow-gauge Ten-Wheelers. The quantity column counts the rows as p…

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  40. Canal Street Yard Assessment Stays Open Through December 7

    Nov 09, 26 01:07 PM

    The FRA signed the Canal Street Yard environmental assessment on November 6, 2026. Public inspection runs through December 7, and meeting dates are not confirmed.

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  41. NS Legacy Cab-Signal Comments Are Due November 9

    Nov 09, 26 01:05 PM

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    The FRA must receive comments by November 9, 2026, on a Norfolk Southern plan to drop legacy cab signals on 14 line segments and rely on positive train control.

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  42. Elimination Grant of $27.8 Million Reaches Scott Road in Allen County

    Nov 09, 26 12:53 PM

    Allen County received $27,878,116, also stated as $27.8 million, to design and build a grade separation where Scott Road crosses Norfolk Southern.

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  43. Vermont Receives $60.3 Million for the Western Corridor

    Nov 09, 26 12:45 PM

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    Vermont will receive $60.3 million to rehabilitate about 60 miles of the Western Corridor. The delegation quote also calls the sum $60 million.

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  44. Burlingame Grade Separation Wins a Federal Grant

    Nov 09, 26 10:42 AM

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    Rep. Kevin Mullin said on November 5, 2026 that the FRA awarded $90.4 million for the Caltrain Broadway grade separation in Burlingame. Early work is expected in May 2027.

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  45. Orange County Rail Line Gets a Coastal Permit

    Nov 09, 26 10:18 AM

    The California Coastal Commission on November 5, 2026 approved a 10-year permit for the San Clemente rail line, including about 690,000 cubic yards of sand.

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  46. Railroad Quiet Zones Are Reinstated in St. Louis

    Nov 09, 26 10:14 AM

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    St. Louis said on November 6, 2026 that the FRA reinstated the city quiet zones. Horns are to stop after railroad systems are updated.

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  47. Southern Pacific Railroad: Map, History, Logo

    Nov 08, 26 01:58 PM

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    The Southern Pacific, from the December 2, 1865 charter and the Big Four to Sprint, the Rio Grande Industries purchase of 1988, and the Union Pacific merger of February 1, 1997.

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  48. California Awards Flexible Rail Aid to Nine Projects

    Nov 08, 26 01:15 PM

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    CalSTA on November 5, 2026 awarded $66.58 million in flexible State Rail Assistance to nine California projects. Each amount in the summary is a cap, printed as up to.

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  49. CSX Leaves Three Days Out of the Weekly Reports

    Nov 08, 26 12:02 PM

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    CSX told the Surface Transportation Board it cannot recover October 27-29 data for the EP 724 and EP 787 reports covering the week ending October 30, 2026.

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  50. NJ Transit Advances Three Station Housing Projects

    Nov 08, 26 11:56 AM

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    NJ Transit on November 5, 2026 advanced station projects in Jersey City, Bound Brook, and Morristown. The three are projected to add more than 1,000 homes.

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