There are other smaller rail networks but these are the most widely used, across the United States:

• Metrolink – Premier regional rail system, including commuter and other passenger services, linking the Greater Los Angeles Area communities to employment and activity centers.
• Coaster – North San Diego County transit authority.
• Sounder – Created by the Washington state legislature to build a mass transit system that connects regional employment and population centers in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties, in the Seattle and Bellevue areas.
• Virginia Railway Express (VRE) – Connecting major Northern Virgina cities like Fairfax to the bustling Washington DC downtown.
• Metra – Northeast Illinois’ commuter rail system connecting Chicago to most neighboring communities.
• Trinity Railway Express – Commuter rail service between Fort Worth and Dallas.
• Caltrain – Serving the San Francisco and San Jose areas.
• Alaska Railroad – Alaska’s unique railroad system which is also heavily geared towards tourism.
• Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD) – Vital commuter link between the growing city of Gary, Indiana and it’s huge neighbor, Chicago.
• West Coast Express – Providing service to the communities of the Northeast sector, this is Vancouver’s efficient commuter rail service.
• Altamont Commuter Express (ACE) – Californian rail transit authority serving many cities, namely Stockton, Fremont, Pleasanton, Livermore, San Jose and Santa Clara.

Millions of commuters use these train services daily but let’s not forget about the commercial transporters who will appreciate the fact that commuters aren’t the only ones appreciating the rail system. In fact, the intermodal offerings (truck loads easily transfered to train cargo and then back to truck loadable units) are constantly expanding to make a more diversified use of the rails.

Heavy loads aren’t really an issue when using the mighty rail so if you’re looking to move freight around the major US metro areas, you should your local train transit provider about the intermodal possibilities.

Tags: train, commuters, rail networks, transit authorities, us metro areas

ITS America 2006 will be help from May 7 to 9 in Philadelphia, PA.

ITS America is the leading transportation safety and security event that brings together decision makers from: state, federal and local agencies, transit authorities, systems integrators, emergency services, consulting firms, academia, equipment vendors, software developers, public safety personnel, automobile manufacturers and suppliers, and telecommunications providers—all dedicated to developing and deploying ITS technologies.

Notice for exhibitors:

ITS America 2006 offers your business maximum exposure to an audience of qualified, decision-making ITS professionals who are seeking your products and ITS solutions.

To this day, over 90% of the exhibit hall space for ITS America 2006 is sold out.

Tags: its america, its professionals, its solutions, audience, exhibitors, local agencies, transit authorities, academia