Latest news with #ScottSpencer
Time Out
08-07-2025
- Business
- Time Out
This new high-speed train could get you from NYC to L.A. in 72 hours
Could an easy alternative to flying across the country be on the horizon? In an open letter sent directly to the president of Amtrak, Delaware-based AmeriStarRail has proposed a bold, transcontinental high-speed rail project that promises to whisk passengers from New York City to Los Angeles in under 72 hours. Dubbed the "Transcontinental Chief," the proposed service would run on existing rail infrastructure and would make stops in major destinations including Chicago, Kansas City and the Grand Canyon. Unlike pie-in-the-sky maglev fantasies, AmeriStarRail's plan leans on practicality. The company aims to use current Amtrak assets—coaches, sleepers, dining cars—and partner with host railroads like BNSF, Norfolk Southern and New Jersey Transit. Passengers wouldn't just get from coast to coast in comfort; they could also bring along their cars and even tractor-trailers. The goal is to launch by May 2026, just in time for the FIFA World Cup and the country's 250th anniversary. That timeline is tight, especially considering the logistical tangles involved: track scheduling, rights-of-way, funding agreements and, not least, getting a green light from Amtrak. Amtrak hasn't responded to the proposal yet, and history suggests they might not bite. The company has previously passed on similar pitches from AmeriStarRail. Still, AmeriStarRail is pushing forward. COO Scott Spencer is calling it the beginning of a "new Golden Age" in American rail, offering a scenic, lower-carbon alternative to air travel. Can they pull it off? The biggest question mark remains Amtrak's cooperation. Without their participation, the plan is a no-go. But AmeriStarRail claims it has private capital lined up and has already briefed members of Congress. Whether the Transcontinental Chief becomes reality or not, one thing's clear: there's growing momentum to rethink American rail. And with the spotlight soon to be on U.S. infrastructure during the World Cup and 250th anniversary, AmeriStarRail aims to make its mark.
Newsweek
02-07-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Coast-to-Coast High-Speed Rail Route Proposed Between Los Angeles and New York
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A private rail venture in Delaware has proposed a high-speed rail project that would stretch from one side of the U.S. to the other. AmeriStarRail, a startup specializing in high-speed and intermodal passenger rail, pitched a partnership with Amtrak to launch the "Transcontinental Chief," a high-speed rail route that would run between Los Angeles and New York in under 72 hours. The Context Work on high-speed rail projects across the U.S. remains stagnant. Only a few networks are underway, and they face increasing local and federal opposition. The largest high-speed rail project being worked on is in California, where 500 miles of track are planned to connect San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles and San Diego. What To Know In an open letter to Roger Harris, the president of Amtrak, AmeriStarRail proposed a joint venture with the goal of making Amtrak generate a profit. "The Transcontinental Chief will be a great opportunity for Amtrak to team up with the private sector to confront the challenges of its money-losing long-distance trains and create opportunities to usher in a profitable Golden Age of rail travel for passengers and truckers, with the ingenuity of free enterprise, as we celebrate our great nation's 250th birthday next year," Scott Spencer, AmeriStarRail's chief operating officer, wrote in the letter. The proposed service would blend elements of Europe's truck transport trains with U.S. passenger rail operations, offering vehicle-boarding for truckers and travelers alongside Amtrak-style accommodations and amenities. A map of the proposed coast-to-coast high-speed rail route from New York to Los Angeles. A map of the proposed coast-to-coast high-speed rail route from New York to Los Angeles. AmeriStarRail AmeriStarRail pitched the initiative to launch by May 10, 2026, timed to coincide with the United States' 250th anniversary celebrations and the FIFA World Cup. The startup, which previously advocated for upgrading Amtrak's Northeast Corridor with private investment, said the new long-distance service could be launched without additional federal spending or congressional action thanks to private investment. The plan includes major stops at Harrisburg, Chicago and the Grand Canyon before reaching Los Angeles. The new route would replace Amtrak's Southwest Chief and Pennsylvanian lines and rely on existing infrastructure from host railroads, including BNSF, Norfolk Southern and New Jersey Transit. Unlike past rail startups that have required federal funding, AmeriStarRail says its model is entirely privately funded. The company has presented the proposal to President Donald Trump, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy and members of Congress. What People Are Saying A spokesperson for AmeriStarRail told Newsweek: "AmeriStarRail's proposal to turn Amtrak's money-losing long-distance trains into profit makers has also been shared with President Trump, DOGE, USDOT Secretary Sean Duffy, the FRA and Members of Congress. "Subject to operating agreements with the host railroads (BNSF, Norfolk Southern and New Jersey Transit) the Transcontinental Chief can start operations on National Train Day, Sunday, May 10, 2026 to begin serving tourists for America 250 celebrations and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. "The Transcontinental Chief can be privately operated and funded, without new congressional legislation or additional federal spending." What Happens Next Amtrak has yet to respond to the pitch from AmeriStarRail and has not acted on previous pitches made by the company.
USA Today
20-02-2025
- USA Today
2 teen girls in custody for planned mass casualty attack at Texas high school
Two teenage girls are in custody in connection to a planned mass casualty attack at a Texas high school, law enforcement confirmed Thursday. The targeted school was Memorial High School, according to local outlets KHOU and KPRC. According to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, the agency is actively investigating a criminal case involving online threats made by the suspects enrolled in the Spring Branch Independent School District (ISD) in Houston. "Evidence suggests their intent was to carry out acts of violence at a school in (the district),"sheriff's office Lt. Scott Spencer released in a statement to USA TODAY. Officials told USA TODAY authorities learned about the threat Tuesday and quickly took the teens, ages 15 and 16, into custody. Citing an open investigation, neither the sheriff's office nor the FBI would say where the teens were arrested or release details about the planned attack. USA TODAY has reached out to the school district. Missouri man set to be sentenced dead:Defendant dies before sentencing in case of Black teen shot for ringing wrong doorbell 16-year-old student in custody reportedly attends Memorial High School According to officials, the 15-year-old attends Willis High School and was in custody Wednesday on unrelated charges. Law enforcement would not disclose the charges that teen faces. The second juvenile, Spencer said, was in custody in Harris County on Wednesday. He would not disclose what charge that student faced. But Spring Branch ISD Police Chief Larry Baimbridge told ABC News, the student is 16, attends Memorial High School and was being held on a charge of making a terroristic threat. USA TODAY has reached out to Baimbridge. Because the investigation is in the early stages, and law enforcement continued to review evidence in the case, the sheriff's office said it would" provide updates as more information becomes available." 'A rapid investigation' "This type of situation is exactly why the FBI exists," FBI Houston Public Affairs Officer Connor Hagan told USA TODAY Thursday morning. "We were able to take troubling information we received, conduct a rapid investigation, turn our results over to trusted local law enforcement partners, and ultimately save lives of innocent students. Because the suspects are juveniles, Hagan said, his office was limited by FBI and DOJ policies in releasing more details. "This planned attack wouldn't have been stopped without exceptionally close partnerships between FBI Houston, Spring Branch ISD Police Department, Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, and Houston Police Department. We have officers from dozens of local agencies embedded with our agents working these types of threats everyday on our Threat Mitigation Team and other task forces. FBI agents and task force officers, who are federally deputized, are absolutely essential to keeping our communities safe." 'The utmost urgency' According to a news release from the sheriff's office, the safety and security of schools as well as the community remains its "highest priority." "We are treating this matter with the utmost urgency," the release reads. "Threats of violence in our schools will not be tolerated." Additional security measures have been implemented, and the sheriff's office continues to work closely with school officials and law enforcement partners "to ensure a safe environment," Spencer said. Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@ and follow her on X @nataliealund.
