Cleveland: a target of rail competitors?

At top, a Brightline train departs Miami Central Station for Orlando while, at
bottom, an Amtrak train departs Chicago Union Station for Milwaukee. The 79-
125 mph Brightline train, one of 16 per day in each direction, is supported by
revenues from station-area developments. The 79 mph Amtrak train, one of
eight in each direction, is sponsored by the states of Illinois and Wisconsin (Fred
Grimm/VisitFlorida, Illinois DOT). CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE THEM.

Last week, two things happened in the rail world that are probably related. They have been brewing in the background for a while, but they finally appeared in public almost simultaneously. Federal corporation Amtrak and private-sector company Brightline showed their hands that they may compete for Ohio passenger rail expansions and real estate developments. And Cleveland may end up the winner.

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