Hyperloop Chattanooga

09/26/2023

Brightline has reached Orlando!

Here's a report of someone's ride on the first revenue passenger train to Orlando:

After years of anticipation, months of testing and multiple delays, Brightline officially launched passenger service to (and from) its brand-new station at Orlando International Airport (MCO).

05/14/2023

Amtrak has announced its new train sets that will replace the aging Amfleet equipment. This isn't new news, but my commentary is.

You can read more about these trainsets here:
https://www.amtrak.com/amtrak-airo

These new train sets have a number of great new features. I think one of the best is it eliminates the need for an engine change when traveling on a route that is partially electrified. This both reduces cost as well as improves transit time. Improved efficiency, and improved onboard passenger features are also welcomed.

The one drawback, is they are semi-permanently coupled, which reduces their ability to adjust length easily to meet demand. It also means that trains won't be split en-route. While splitting trains is fairly uncommon in the Amtrak system, I think it could be used considerably more than it is. The more destinations a single train can reach, the more destinations a given passenger will have to choose from, and it means passengers will be able to travel closer to their destination, especially without having to change trains en-route. If trains could combine or separate in just a minute or two, A single train could serve 2 or more routes from its origin, and 2 or more routes further down the line, all with no missed connections! And if a train could split or combine while in motion, (presumably it could do so safely), even more time would be saved, speeding even more people to their destination. The possibilities are almost endless!

Amtrak is partnering with Siemens to enhance the travel experience by introducing new trainsets with a focus on comfort, efficiency and sustainability.

03/10/2022

Electric Planes? Maybe if they can gather the electricity from the runway during takeoff, where the bulk of the fuel is consumed. Then use jet fuel in flight, and avoiding the weight of the batteries?

Leading airlines like United and EasyJet are making plans, with the first U.S. commercial routes slated for 2026.

03/02/2022

Is Hyperloop dead? For Passenger, possibly. Maybe not for freight.

https://www.vice.com/en/article/akvyzb/the-hyperloop-was-always-going-to-go-this-way?fbclid=IwAR1qQNCY4UzD2J86xz7A9T2EGl40hN6VTQkpx_VPWyHasL3CCFdY4K1Q6no

The dream is the point.

02/25/2022

Here we go again with another push to get Amtrak to expand service to Tennessee:

https://www.wkrn.com/news/tennessee-politics/lawmakers-push-to-expand-amtrak-to-connect-major-cities-in-tennessee/?fbclid=IwAR3Pzgf2OAk6479DTOOQq5htwxdWQGi8ZMh01qxMw8aIssCcrgh9r492f2Y

In Tennessee, folks are pushing for Amtrak, which goes through Memphis and could connect Nashville to Atlanta, to expand to other destinations in the state.

02/01/2022

Kinda sad, but a good lesson. Basically, congestion will occur at some point in virtually any given system under certain conditions. The key is to know where, when, why, and how it happens. If you can answer those questions, you have a chance of avoiding the problems. Looks like in this case, it takes too long to unload and load vehicles for the amount of loading/unloading space available.

Perhaps in this case, a tram pulling multiple carriages would work better?

https://www.curbed.com/2022/01/elon-musk-las-vegas-tunnel-ces.html?&utm_source=fb&utm_medium=social_paid&utm_campaign=content_low&utm_content=1P_sitevisitors&utm_term=elonmuskterribleideas_6273209871207&fbclid=IwAR3tE32LSjujIyjQmlPv26EaP5vkYocgzPkx9GWwvM7lXrvKsPlKy-AhhFc

This was not the future of transportation we were promised.

12/22/2021

For anyone traveling to or through Chicago on or after January 3rd, bring proof of vaccination.
If you are in Union Station, no proof will be required in the main areas. However, proof WILL be required in the Metropolitan Lounge and the Food Court and in all areas serving food and drinks.

https://www.facebook.com/ChicagoPublicHealth/posts/219748497005475

12/13/2021

Return of the airship???

11/06/2021

This is an idea whose time has come. While it may not have mainline application, it could certainly have shortline application, and even be impetus for reopening abandoned rights-of-way.

Next: a container that can more easily than current systems be shifted between rail and truck.

Rail technology company Intramotev is developing hardware and software to enable battery-powered railcars to make short-haul movements without a locomotive.

09/27/2021

Working on solving the "last mile" problem.

07/02/2021

This has issues, as well as potential. Either way, it's fascinating!

The vehicle runs on regular fuel and can travel up to 1,000km while airborne, its creator says.

04/02/2021

Biden Administration Proposal includes Amtrak service to Chattanooga.

The plan calls for new service to several southeastern cities, including Chattanooga; Nashville; Asheville, North Carolina; and Montgomery, Alabama.