Recent Streetsblog NYC posts about Rail

RPA's Fourth Regional Plan calls for a total of eight regional rail tracks under the East River (adding two to the four existing tunnels, plus the two East Side Access tracks under construction), but comparable service could be provided with six tracks if LIRR shares its infrastructure. Map: RPA

NY Can Save Billions on Rail Tunnels If LIRR Agrees to Share Track

By Alon Levy | Dec 4, 2017 | 39 Comments

RPA proposes much-needed integration of regional rail in its Fourth Regional Plan, but doesn't push for the politically challenging reforms that will be necessary to build it efficiently.

Boston’s Fairmount Line Could Be a National Model for Commuter Rail, But It’s Not There Yet

By Alon Levy | Jul 31, 2017 | No Comments

For commuter rail to work in urban neighborhoods, transit agencies have to rethink fares, schedules, and integration with local transit. The MBTA still has work to do to get all these elements right on the Fairmount Line.

Long Island's bus and rail networks are run as two separate and unequal systems. Photo: Adam Moreira/Wikimedia Commons

On Long Island, Transit Operates as Two Separate and Unequal Systems

By Alon Levy | May 25, 2017 | 15 Comments

The Long Island Railroad is building some of the biggest infrastructure projects in the region -- even the world. The hugely expensive East Side Access tunnel and terminal at Grand Central and the construction of a third track for the LIRR Main Line will open up new possibilities for convenient, all-day transit that people can use for all types of trips. But not if Long Island continues to operate its rail and bus networks as a two-tiered transit system.

What American Commuter Rail Can Learn From Paris, Part 2

By Alon Levy | Feb 15, 2017 | No Comments

In Europe it's common for regional rail systems to get ridership comparable to that of the subway in the central city. But in America, this is unheard of. One reason for the discrepancy is land use: American commuter rail stations are typically surrounded by parking, while in the Paris region you see a different pattern with ample development next to suburban train stations.

What American Commuter Rail Can Learn From Paris

By Alon Levy | Feb 13, 2017 | No Comments

In the U.S., regional rail is mostly good for one type of trip: the commute. But in Paris, regional rail is oriented toward all types of trips, and people ride throughout the day, not just at rush hour. One key to success is running frequent, predictable service all day long.

American passenger railroads will be able to save hundreds of millions of dollars annually by using trains designed to standard European specifications. Photo of France's TGV via Wikipedia

Federal Regulators Will Let U.S. Railroads Run Faster, More Efficient Trains

By Angie Schmitt | Nov 30, 2016 | No Comments

Antiquated regulations that date all the way back to the late 1800s compel American passenger rail operators to use trains designed like “high-velocity bank vaults,” as former Amtrak CEO David Gunn once put it. That finally appears set to change with the FRA’s release of new draft safety rules for traincars.

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