Rail and Train News

Airlines

U.S. Extends Airline, Train Mask Mandate Into May

Travelers on planes, trains, and public transport in the U.S. need to wear masks a little bit longer. The CDC is extending its mask mandate by 15 days as it continues to evaluate easing the rules even as Covid-19 cases rise again.

David Shepardson, Reuters | 1 month ago

Airlines

Trains Offer New Promise in Europe’s Quest to Cut Aviation Emissions

European airlines and authorities are eager to tap rail links to replace short flights on the continent. But a recent air-rail connection in Paris showed the limits of the partnerships that take a lot more than will power to make work and, more importantly, woo travelers.

Edward Russell | 1 month ago

Rail

Eurostar and Thalys European High-Speed Rail Merger Approved

Rail travel in Western Europe is about to get a little bit easier. European authorities have signed off on the merger of high-speed rail operators Eurostar and Thalys that will create a single company connecting some of Europe's largest cities.

Edward Russell | 2 months ago

Airlines

U.S. Extends Mask Rules for Planes, Trains Through April

Mask rules for travelers are not going away yet with the Biden administration extending them into April. But the one-month extension signals that new rules easing the controversial mandate are in the works.

David Shepardson, Reuters | 3 months ago

Rail

Deutsche Bahn Offers Ukrainian Refugees Free Travel and a Welcome in Berlin

Let's praise the German railway operator for offering free tickets anywhere within Germany to Ukrainian refugees. And props to Berlin for preparing public buildings such as the closed Tempelhof and Tegel airports to accommodate refugees.

Sarah Marsh, Reuters | 3 months ago

Rail

UK-France Covid Travel Curbs Hit ‘Chunnel’ Passenger Traffic Hard in 2021

Last year saw a third fewer passengers cross under the English Channel. That hurt the Channel Tunnel operator's revenues. France last week eased some restrictions for British travelers, so expect those rail cars to fill up.

Dagmarah Mackos, Reuters | 4 months ago

Rail

Amtrak Names 3rd New CEO in 4 Years

Amtrak has selected insider Stephen Gardner as its next CEO. He takes over a railroad still recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic, but flush with cash for expansion from President Biden's infrastructure bill.

Edward Russell | 5 months ago

Rail

Amtrak Warns Infrastructure Upgrades Won’t Come Until 2023 at the Earliest

Amtrak is moving full-speed ahead on its expansion plans following the passage of President Biden's infrastructure bill. But those eager to ride new trains face a reality check: Most work is unlikely to begin for another year or so, with Amtrak focused on winning back riders in the meantime.

Edward Russell | 5 months ago

Airlines

U.S. Airports, Railroads Prep for Influx of $1 Trillion in Infrastructure Funds

President Biden's more than $1 trillion infrastructure plan provides an unseen-for-decades investment in U.S. transportation. But achieving its lofty goals could pose new challenges, which is something former President Obama knows well after partisan politics stymied some of his infrastructure ambitions.

Edward Russell | 7 months ago

Airlines

Airports, Railways Will Get Boost From Approved $1 Trillion Infrastructure Package

At long last, U.S. President Biden can sign his hard-fought $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill. The measure will make a historic investment in hard infrastructure, including airport and rail projects that many say will boost the travel industry.

David Morgan, Susan Cornwell and Makini Brice, Reuters | 7 months ago