All posts by Carolyn Ulstad

2022 MTU Summer Rail Engineering Program

With funding from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Michigan Tech, Penn State Altoona and University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign have teamed up to offer up to 80 high school students across the U.S. an exciting opportunity to learn more about rail transportation and engineering in Summer, 2022. All applicants who are accepted for the program will receive scholarships that cover the Program fees, so don’t wait, encourage your favorite student to get an application in today!

There are two  program alternatives for students to consider when signing up. Up to 20 students can participate in a week-long On-campus program at MichiganTech that takes place from Jun 27-July 1. Another 60 students can participate in a Hybrid program that runs from July 11-15 and combines a virtual portion (at home) with a two-day visit to one of the three partnering campuses (max. 20 on each campus).

More information on the Program and how to apply can be found at our Tracks to the Future web site. We also want to encourage industry companies who are  interested in supporting the participating students to contact Michigan Tech (rail@mtu.edu) or 906-487-3547 for more information.  The scholarship covers program fees, but not transportation to the university site.

March 3: Membership Meeting with Jim Mathews

Jim Mathews, President and CEO of Rail Passengers Association (RPA), will be our guest speaker. RPA has campaigned strenuously over the last year (and more) to educate lawmakers and the public on the benefits of improved and expanded passenger train service across the country. With the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law last November, a wealth of opportunities are now available to Amtrak and the state partners to realize these benefits. Mr. Mathews will speak about how Michigan and the Midwest can roll up its sleeves and get to work on moving forward with our plans.

Join Zoom Meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84934271000?pwd=S01SYkhLTnBlQi96RXVtcmJhQjJoUT09

Meeting ID: 849 3427 1000
Passcode: 524858
Or dial: 312 626 6799 US

New Midwest Venture Cars

The new venture cars are getting a lot of attention!

Recently the High Speed Rail Alliance posted about the new trains along with a review of the fleet from The Points Guy, a website devoted to travel.

Rail supporter, Seth Reynolds, also rode the new train and shared pictures from the inaugural run of the new Midwest Venture Cars on train 303 bound for St Louis.

He said “It’s exciting to be onboard new equipment. The cars have a fresh feel, clean carpeting, have soft lights, a fairly smooth ride, and oversized windows. You want to get dibs on the four top in the middle of each car. “

Thanks for sharing with MARP!