Proposed 72-hour train route between LA, NY aims to debut in 2026
Delaware-based group AmeriStarRail unveiled its coast-to-coast route called the Transcontinental Chief with hopes of it being operational by May 10, 2026, ahead of the United States' 250th birthday and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The goal date, which lands on National Train Day, is subject to operating agreements with various host railroads, the company clarified.
The project has been presented to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, also known as Amtrak. AmeriStarRail argues that a partnership between the two companies would be mutually beneficial, emphasizing that the route would be more profitable than Amtrak's existing long-distance trains.
AmeriStarRail CEO Scott Spencer said Amtrak is seeking more information on the planning and coordination of the proposed system.
"This is a way to confront the challenges Amtrak faces and create opportunities for them to succeed," Spencer told USA TODAY. "We're hopeful that all the parties that are involved including the host railroads recognize what a great opportunity this is for our nation."
Amtrak did not respond to multiple USA TODAY requests for comment.
Transcontinental Chief to replace existing bicoastal routes
AmeriStarRail said the Transcontinental Chief train would replace the Southwest Chief and the Pennsylvanian Amtrak routes that currently help transport people between Southern California and New York via stops in Chicago or Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
New Yorkers will board the train from the Hoboken Terminal in New Jersey, a three-mile ride to Lower Manhattan across the Hudson River through the Holland Tunnel.
AmeriStarRail clarified that it's unable to directly stop in the Big Apple due to New York Penn Station tunnel restrictions for the passenger cars Amtrak uses, known as Superliners. However, there are no boarding restrictions in Los Angeles.
The route would also include a single-level train section from Harrisburg to serve people in Washington, D.C., via Philadelphia, according to AmeriStarRail.
"In discussion with various interests along the route, whether that be Victorville, California; Newton, Kanas; Lebanon, Pennsylvania, they recognize the economic engine that the Transcontinental Chief will be for their communities," Spencer said.
Spencer added that the Transcontinental Chief would also offer travelers on Route 66 an alternative way back from their nearly 2,500-mile drive.
Bicoastal route to be 'rolling rest stop for truckers'
In addition to transporting passengers, the Transcontinental Chief would also transport truck drivers and their tractor trailers between the West and East coasts within the three-day span, according to AmeriStarRail.
Through a roll-on, roll-off loading system, the route would serve as a "rolling rest stop for truckers" while offering a safe alternative to parking shortages, the company states.
"At RailPorts along the route, truckers will be able to drive their entire tractor trailer trucks onto railroad flatcars and then rest and relax onboard Amtrak Coach, Sleeper and Dining cars as they travel 200 - 500 miles during their federally mandated 10 hour rest period," an AmeriStarRail news release states.
Intending to debut next May, Spencer said the route would start with intermediate ports available in LA and New York City, with plans to incorporate more in the future. The company aims to transport cars, vans, motorcycles, RVs and charter motorcoaches, eventually also serving the Grand Canyon and Chicago.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Upturn
an hour ago
- Business Upturn
Top stocks to watch today, August 7: Bajaj Auto, Trent, BHEL, Hero MotoCorp, SKF India and more
By Aman Shukla Published on August 7, 2025, 08:26 IST Indian stock markets are expected to witness stock-specific movements on Thursday, August 7, as multiple companies have announced quarterly results and key updates. Here's a rundown of stocks that could remain in focus today: Bajaj Auto The company maintained its domestic growth outlook and sees industry growth in FY25 at around 5–6%. The company maintained its domestic growth outlook and sees industry growth in FY25 at around 5–6%. Trent Q1 EBITDA surpassed estimates with margins improving to 17.4% from 15% YoY. Q1 EBITDA surpassed estimates with margins improving to 17.4% from 15% YoY. Jindal Stainless Margins rose to 13% from 10.4% YoY, with realizations up by ₹4,000 per tonne on a QoQ basis. Margins rose to 13% from 10.4% YoY, with realizations up by ₹4,000 per tonne on a QoQ basis. Fortis Healthcare EBITDA increased by 43%, with margins improving to 22.6% from 18.4% YoY. EBITDA increased by 43%, with margins improving to 22.6% from 18.4% YoY. Lumax Industries Reported a 40% YoY rise in EBITDA. Margins improved to 18.2% from 15.7%. Reported a 40% YoY rise in EBITDA. Margins improved to 18.2% from 15.7%. Raymond Lifestyle EBITDA rose 29%, with margins slightly up at 5.4% vs. 5% YoY. EBITDA rose 29%, with margins slightly up at 5.4% vs. 5% YoY. Raymond Ltd Q1 EBITDA grew 26%, with margins at 11% compared to 10% YoY. Q1 EBITDA grew 26%, with margins at 11% compared to 10% YoY. Protean eGov EBITDA increased by 31%, with a 284 basis points YoY improvement in margins. EBITDA increased by 31%, with a 284 basis points YoY improvement in margins. Hinduja Global Solutions EBITDA saw a 77% increase. Margins rose to 2.7% from 1.5% YoY. EBITDA saw a 77% increase. Margins rose to 2.7% from 1.5% YoY. Rain Industries Reported a 70.5% increase in EBITDA, with margins rising to 14% from 9% YoY. Reported a 70.5% increase in EBITDA, with margins rising to 14% from 9% YoY. Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Its US arm will pay $38 million as a settlement to a putative direct purchaser class. Its US arm will pay $38 million as a settlement to a putative direct purchaser class. Waaree Energies Plans to sell up to 3% stake in Indosolar at ₹500 per share to comply with minimum public shareholding norms. Plans to sell up to 3% stake in Indosolar at ₹500 per share to comply with minimum public shareholding norms. Hindustan Copper Signed an MoU with GAIL to jointly participate in copper and critical minerals block auctions. Signed an MoU with GAIL to jointly participate in copper and critical minerals block auctions. IRB Infrastructure Gross toll collections for July 2025 rose approximately 10% YoY. Gross toll collections for July 2025 rose approximately 10% YoY. Paras Defence Entered into a teaming agreement with Germany-based High Performance Space Structure Systems. Entered into a teaming agreement with Germany-based High Performance Space Structure Systems. Hero MotoCorp Reported a mixed Q1, with realisation increases coming in below estimates. Reported a mixed Q1, with realisation increases coming in below estimates. BHEL Losses widened, and revenue from the power business declined 5.5% YoY. Losses widened, and revenue from the power business declined 5.5% YoY. HUDCO Net interest margin fell below guidance. Return on assets stood at 1.89% vs. 2.24% YoY. Net interest margin fell below guidance. Return on assets stood at 1.89% vs. 2.24% YoY. Eternal Antfin is likely to offload its entire 1.95% stake through block deals at a floor price of ₹285 per share. Antfin is likely to offload its entire 1.95% stake through block deals at a floor price of ₹285 per share. Kotak Mahindra Bank Invesco is expected to sell 0.5% equity via block deals, with the floor price set at a 2.4% discount to CMP. Invesco is expected to sell 0.5% equity via block deals, with the floor price set at a 2.4% discount to CMP. Sula Vineyards EBITDA dropped 44.6%. Margins contracted to 17% from 28% YoY. EBITDA dropped 44.6%. Margins contracted to 17% from 28% YoY. GNFC EBITDA declined 80% YoY, with margins at 2% compared to 7.6%. EBITDA declined 80% YoY, with margins at 2% compared to 7.6%. Prince Pipes Reported a 32% decline in EBITDA, with margins slipping to 6.7% from 9.6%. Reported a 32% decline in EBITDA, with margins slipping to 6.7% from 9.6%. Kirloskar Oil Engines Net profit fell 11%, and margins dropped to 18.5% from 19.9% YoY. Net profit fell 11%, and margins dropped to 18.5% from 19.9% YoY. IRCON International EBITDA declined by 20%, with revenue slipping 22% YoY. EBITDA declined by 20%, with revenue slipping 22% YoY. VIP Industries Swung to a net loss as revenue declined 12% YoY. Swung to a net loss as revenue declined 12% YoY. SKF India EBITDA fell 14%, with margins narrowing to 13% from 16% YoY. EBITDA fell 14%, with margins narrowing to 13% from 16% YoY. Monte Carlo EBITDA loss widened despite a 10% YoY rise in revenue. Disclaimer: The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. Stock market investments are subject to market risks. Always conduct your own research or consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions. Author or Business Upturn is not liable for any losses arising from the use of this information. Ahmedabad Plane Crash Bajaj AutoBHELHero MotocorpSKF IndiaStock to watchTrent Aman Shukla is a post-graduate in mass communication . A media enthusiast who has a strong hold on communication ,content writing and copy writing. Aman is currently working as journalist at
Business Wire
an hour ago
- Business Wire
Mitsubishi Electric's ME Innovation Fund Invests in Pale Blue, Startup Developing Water-based Propulsion Systems for Satellites
TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (TOKYO: 6503) announced today that its ME Innovation Fund has invested in Japan-based Pale Blue Inc., a startup engaged in the development, manufacturing, and sales of propulsion systems for small satellites that use water as a propellant. This is the 13th investment the fund has made to date. In recent years, the number of satellite launches has increased significantly worldwide, and the number of businesses utilizing satellite constellations has rapidly expanded. Propulsion systems, which serve as the driving force for satellite operation and orbital transfer, are critical components of satellite missions. This has led to growing demand for propulsion technologies that offer superior safety, cost efficiency, and lower environmental impact. Founded in 2020 as a deep-tech startup originating from the University of Tokyo, Pale Blue is developing proprietary water-based propulsion systems that leverage two core technologies: low-pressure, ambient-temperature water vaporization and the generation of low-power plasma with oxidation resistance, aiming to thereby realize a safe and sustainable space infrastructure. Compared to conventional propellants, water is significantly safer, more cost-effective, widely available, and environmentally friendly. Pale Blue has already completed multiple in-orbit demonstrations using small satellites, confirming the technical credibility and reliability of its solution. Pale Blue is also progressing efforts to establish its own production capabilities, which include the establishment of a production engineering development site. For the full text, please visit:
Miami Herald
2 hours ago
- Miami Herald
Discount grocery chain shocks customers with California closing
The grocery retail sector has its hands full juggling several economic challenges that can prevent retailers from generating profits. Inventory shrinkage, caused by shoplifting, employee theft, and other methods of retail theft, has been costly for grocery retailers. Many grocery chains have put a lot of merchandise behind lock and key to help prevent shrinkage, but not all retailers are successful at preventing theft. Related: Popular retail chain closing, files Chapter 11 bankruptcy On top of theft, grocery chains face rising labor and product costs, changing consumer behavior, and fading customer loyalty. Under-performing stores and above-market brick-and-mortar leases that no longer make sense also force retailers to close stores. Huge grocery chain Kroger revealed in June 2025 that it would close 60 stores nationwide in the next 18 months. Kroger also revealed that it would close two more stores in Houston this year, according to USA Today, Statesman Journal reported on Aug. 5. Discount supermarket chain Grocery Outlet is closing a popular California location, which operated for over 36 years, after losing its lease. The owners of the grocery store, located on Zinfandel Drive in Rancho Cordova near Sacramento, revealed on their Facebook page on Aug. 3 that the store would close. Related: Bankrupt home goods retail chain cancels more store closings "We are saddened to announce that the Rancho Cordova Grocery Outlet in the corner of Zinfandel and Folsom Blvd will be closing permanently," the store's owners said on Facebook. "Michael and Susan have been honored to serve the Rancho Cordova Community. We, along with our team, will deeply miss our customers," the message said. Deli, meat, produce, wine, beer, 20% Merchandise, health and beauty products, 30% off. The store, which opened on Jan. 2, 1989, is currently conducting a liquidation sale with 20% off all deli, meat, produce, wine, and beer, and 30% off all general merchandise and health and beauty products. The Rancho Cordova Grocery Outlet store will close on Aug. 23 as its lease expires, according to ABC10-TV. More closings: Major furniture manufacturer closes down, no bankruptcyIconic pizza chain's franchisees close multiple restaurantsIconic retail chain closing over 100 stores in bankruptcy The grocery store chain, however, revealed in March 2025 that it planned to open a new location in a former Rite Aid location in nearby Citrus Heights, Calif., Citrus Heights Messenger reported. Grocery Outlet also closed two stores in the second quarter of 2025, but also opened 11 locations, according to its statement on its quarterly results. Grocery Outlet Holding Corp. said it substantially completed in the second quarter its restructuring plan that began in the fourth quarter of 2024. Under the plan, the company cancelled 23 store leases of unopened stores in underperforming locations, 15 of which were planned to open in 2025 and eight that were planned in 2026. Grocery Outlet also cancelled costly warehouse projects and instead invested in lower-cost distribution centers for dry goods. The company also said it would lay off 40 employees in the first quarter of 2025. TennesseeNorth CarolinaGeorgiaAlabamaKentuckyVirginia. Grocery Outlet Holding Corp. in April 2024 purchased United Grocery Outlet and its 40-supermarket chain in six Southeast states, including Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky, and Virginia from affiliates of Gen Cap America Inc. By the end of 2024, Grocery Outlet had about 533 stores in 16 states, with 42 company-owned stores and the remaining 491 stores run by independent operators. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
