Featured Stories
Belize to Expand Access to Electricity for Rural Communities With IDB Support
WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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Belize to Expand Access to Electricity for Rural Communities with IDB Support
September 17, 2026
WASHINGTON -- The Board of Executive Directors of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) approved a US$23.75 million financing package to expand access to electricity for rural populations in Belize, helping improve quality of life and economic opportunities.
The package consists of a US$20 million Global Multiple Works (GOM) loan from the Bank's Ordinary Capital, a US$2.75 million nonreimbursable
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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Belize to Expand Access to Electricity for Rural Communities with IDB Support
September 17, 2026
WASHINGTON -- The Board of Executive Directors of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) approved a US$23.75 million financing package to expand access to electricity for rural populations in Belize, helping improve quality of life and economic opportunities.
The package consists of a US$20 million Global Multiple Works (GOM) loan from the Bank's Ordinary Capital, a US$2.75 million nonreimbursableinvestment grant from the Bank's Nonreimbursable Financing Facility, and a US$1 million nonreimbursable grant from the Bank's Low Carbon Energy Fund.
The program will increase household access to electricity services in rural communities with a high proportion of Indigenous peoples and migrants, strengthen technical and institutional capacity to plan, operate, and maintain rural electrification investments, and promote awareness of productive uses of electricity in rural areas.
"This is the IDB's first energy sector operation in Belize. By advancing rural electrification, economic inclusion, and access to essential services, this program represents a major step toward a more sustainable and inclusive Belize", highlighted Karla Gonzalez, IDB Country Representative for Belize.
Approximately 3,000 rural households will benefit directly by gaining access to electricity for the first time, while Belize's population more broadly will benefit from improved planning, implementation, and sustainability of electricity services.
The program will finance the design, construction, and installation of solar photovoltaic mini-grids equipped with battery energy storage systems and smart metering technologies, as well as the expansion of the distribution network to connect households and community facilities and the infrastructure needed to link new users to the electricity grid.
The US$20 million loan has a 25-year repayment term, a 5.5-year grace period, and an interest rate based on SOFR.
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About the IDB
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), a member of the IDB Group, is devoted to improving lives across Latin America and the Caribbean. Founded in 1959, the IDB works with the region's public sector to design and enable impactful, innovative solutions for sustainable and inclusive development. Leveraging financing, technical expertise, and knowledge, it promotes growth and well-being in 26 countries.
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Original text here: https://www.iadb.org/en/news/belize-expand-access-electricity-rural-communities-idb-support
Portal North Bridge Enters Final Phase of Construction as Work Begins to Put Final Track Into Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 -- Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corp.) issued the following news:
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Portal North Bridge Enters Final Phase of Construction as Work Begins to Put Final Track Into Service
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Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT Begin Final "Cutover" Work to Transfer Service to New Portal North Bridge and Announce Temporary Service Changes to Accommodate Work.
NEWARK, NJ -Beginning October 9, Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT will perform critical work to transfer the final track from the 116-old Portal Bridge to the new Portal North Bridge over the Hackensack River. Once complete, rail operations will resume
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 -- Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corp.) issued the following news:
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Portal North Bridge Enters Final Phase of Construction as Work Begins to Put Final Track Into Service
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Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT Begin Final "Cutover" Work to Transfer Service to New Portal North Bridge and Announce Temporary Service Changes to Accommodate Work.
NEWARK, NJ -Beginning October 9, Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT will perform critical work to transfer the final track from the 116-old Portal Bridge to the new Portal North Bridge over the Hackensack River. Once complete, rail operations will resumein full service over the new bridge, retiring the old bridge. The work is essential to advancing long-term reliability and capacity improvements on the Northeast Corridor.
While the transfer, or "Cutover," of Amtrak-owned wires and electrical systems will ultimately deliver substantial benefits, it means customers will experience temporary adjustments to rail service beginning on Sunday, October 11 and continuing for approximately five weeks.
Amtrak is utilizing the reduced-traffic opportunity to perform eight additional critical maintenance projects across the Northeast Corridor, in six states and Washington, DC.
Regular schedules are expected to resume on Sunday, November 15 - subject to the completion of safety testing.
NJ TRANSIT worked closely with Amtrak and regional partners to develop a customer-focused service plan prioritizing capacity, continuity and safety.
"As we enter this second and final Cutover for Portal North Bridge, we're building on the success of the first one, to deliver tangible results and benefits to New Jersey visitors and residents," said Amtrak Interim President Byl Herrmann. "After the success of the first Cutover, we followed that up with outstanding service during the World Cup, and we are going to conclude the third major event for us this year on a high note with the second Cutover the same way by proving what this joint team can accomplish when we work together."
"Five weeks of adjusted schedules will deliver a modern, high-level bridge that ends a century of swing-bridge delays for customers traveling the Northeast Corridor to and from New York," said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kris Kolluri. "We worked closely with Amtrak on a service plan that maximizes capacity and keeps every rail line running, and we thank our customers for their patience as we complete the final step of this long-awaited project."
NJ TRANSIT and Amtrak leveraged three core principles in developing its service plan, minimizing impacts to customers to the greatest extent possible, while contending with the operational realities during the cutover period.
* Maximizing Capacity and Seat Availability
* Maintaining Service on All Rail Lines
* Upholding the Highest Standards of Safety
While disruptive in the short term, these temporary service adjustments are necessary to ensure a safe and successful transition to the new bridge infrastructure.
The new updated modern, high-level fixed span bridge that will make future Amtrak and commuter trips more reliable, safer and smoother with increased service and train speeds. Thanks to a strong partnership between Amtrak and NJT, the project remains on schedule and on budget. You can learn more about the project at: Amtraknewera.com/gateway/pnb/ for more information.
On Thursday, Sept. 17, Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT made the following presentation to members of the press to talk about the work and the service plan.
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Original text here: https://media.amtrak.com/2026/09/portal-north-bridge-enters-final-phase-of-construction-as-work-begins-to-put-final-track-into-service/
NTSB Recommends Fully Electronic Tolling After Deadly Ohio Toll Plaza Crash
WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 -- The National Transportation Safety Board issued the following news release:
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NTSB Recommends Fully Electronic Tolling After Deadly Ohio Toll Plaza Crash
WASHINGTON (September 16, 2026) - The National Transportation Safety Board said Wednesday that a 2024 crash at a toll plaza on Interstate 80 near Swanton, Ohio, could have been avoided if the turnpike used fully electronic tolling and provided clearer information about toll payment options.
The crash occurred on Aug. 15, 2024, at the Swanton Township Toll Plaza on the Ohio Turnpike. An SUV was traveling in the left
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 -- The National Transportation Safety Board issued the following news release:
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NTSB Recommends Fully Electronic Tolling After Deadly Ohio Toll Plaza Crash
WASHINGTON (September 16, 2026) - The National Transportation Safety Board said Wednesday that a 2024 crash at a toll plaza on Interstate 80 near Swanton, Ohio, could have been avoided if the turnpike used fully electronic tolling and provided clearer information about toll payment options.
The crash occurred on Aug. 15, 2024, at the Swanton Township Toll Plaza on the Ohio Turnpike. An SUV was traveling in the leftlane of the high-speed toll lanes when it suddenly slowed and moved across the path of a truck-trailer while attempting to enter the low-speed manual toll booth lanes on the right side of the toll plaza. The truck struck the SUV from behind and overturned. As a result of the crash, two passengers in the SUV died, the driver and another passenger were seriously injured, and the driver of the truck was seriously injured. Sulfonic acid carried by the truck also spilled following the rollover, but no injuries were reported from exposure to the chemicals.
As a result of the investigation, the NTSB is recommending that the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission permanently close low-speed tolling lanes and implement fully electronic tolling at its toll plazas. The NTSB also recommended that the Federal Highway Administration adopt guidance on the safety benefits of fully electronic tolling.
NTSB investigators determined that the toll plaza's hybrid design, which combines high-speed electronic tolling lanes with separated low-speed manual tolling lanes, increased the risk of a severe crash by creating conditions that encourage last-minute sudden lane changes and large speed differences between vehicles. Video of the Swanton toll plaza over a three-week period showed 1,099 similar last-minute lane changes -- an average of 52 per day -- with vehicles illegally traveling through the marked area between the high-speed and low-speed tolling lanes. Illinois and Pennsylvania have already implemented fully electronic tolling on their portions of the Interstate 80 turnpike.
"This crash shows the deadly safety consequences of mixing high-speed electronic tolling with low-speed manual tolling lanes," said NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy. "We encourage the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission to implement fully high-speed electronic tolling, as states like Pennsylvania and Illinois have, and permanently close the low-speed lanes to make the roadway safer for everyone."
The investigation also found that emergency responders were delayed because they lacked direct access to the toll road. While this delay would not likely have changed the survivability of the crash, it does present risks for future crashes. The NTSB recommends the turnpike commission evaluate the need for additional emergency access points at toll plazas and construct them where appropriate.
Investigators also found that vehicle occupants were not wearing seat belts, which could have prevented their injuries and death. As a result, the NTSB is reiterating a 2014 recommendation to Ohio requiring the enforcement of seatbelt use for all vehicle occupants.
Following its investigation, the NTSB issued recommendations to the Federal Highway Administration, the state of Ohio, the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission, Springfield Township and the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association. Those recommendations and the full report are available on the NTSB's website. The investigation page contains the report and the investigation docket.
To report an incident/accident or if you are a public safety agency, please call 1-844-373-9922 or 202-314-6290 to speak to a Watch Officer at the NTSB Response Operations Center (ROC) in Washington, DC (24/7).
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Original text here: https://www.ntsb.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/NR20260916.aspx
Midwest Maintenance Facility Renderings
WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 -- Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corp.) issued the following news:
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Midwest Maintenance Facility Renderings
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In August 2026, The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has awarded Amtrak two grants in support of the development of a new Midwest Maintenance Facility and to make vital bridge and viaduct repairs. The grants, in the amounts of up to $572 million and up to $87 million, respectively, will be used to address long-standing rail infrastructure needs in Chicago that directly improve safety, reliability, and neighborhood conditions.
"For years, Amtrak's
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 -- Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corp.) issued the following news:
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Midwest Maintenance Facility Renderings
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In August 2026, The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has awarded Amtrak two grants in support of the development of a new Midwest Maintenance Facility and to make vital bridge and viaduct repairs. The grants, in the amounts of up to $572 million and up to $87 million, respectively, will be used to address long-standing rail infrastructure needs in Chicago that directly improve safety, reliability, and neighborhood conditions.
"For years, Amtrak'sMidwest and National rail customers and state partners have been desiring improved on-time performance. Investments in maintenance facilities will achieve that outcome," said Interim Amtrak President Byl Herrmann. "With these grants, Amtrak is able to accelerate those goals by more than a decade while improving conditions to deliver a safe, reliable, and efficient passenger rail service for years to come."
The modern, purpose-built facility on an existing railyard owned by Union Pacific Railroad will allow for more efficient servicing of railcars, reduce service disruptions and turnaround time. It will improve reliability for passengers and directly improve safety for the Amtrak workforce.
Please see below for renderings of the Midwest Maintenance Facility.
Download Hi-Res Gallery Images
Midwest Maintenance Facility 1
Midwest Maintenance Facility 2
Midwest Maintenance Facility 3
Midwest Maintenance Facility 4
Midwest Maintenance Facility 5
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Original text here: https://media.amtrak.com/2026/09/midwest-maintenance-facility-renderings/
Inter-American Development Bank: 'Fiscal Implications of Population Aging in Chile'
WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 (TNSLrpt) -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following white paper in September 2026 entitled "Fiscal Implications of Population Aging in Chile."
Here are excerpts:
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Abstract
This paper studies the long-term macroeconomic and fiscal implications of population aging in Chile using a semi-structural, multi-sector macro-fiscal model that links demographic dynamics, labor market behavior, sectoral production, fiscal revenues, age-related public expenditures, and government debt.
Beyond the application to Chile, the contribution lies in the integrated nature
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 (TNSLrpt) -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following white paper in September 2026 entitled "Fiscal Implications of Population Aging in Chile."
Here are excerpts:
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Abstract
This paper studies the long-term macroeconomic and fiscal implications of population aging in Chile using a semi-structural, multi-sector macro-fiscal model that links demographic dynamics, labor market behavior, sectoral production, fiscal revenues, age-related public expenditures, and government debt.
Beyond the application to Chile, the contribution lies in the integrated natureof the framework, which allows for a consistent analysis of how demographic change propagates through the economy to affect fiscal sustainability.
Chile provides a particularly relevant case given the speed of its demographic transition, the growing importance of publicly financed pension benefits, and the central role of consumption taxation, as well as a production structure in which mining plays a key role in shaping fiscal capacity.
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View full text here: https://publications.iadb.org/en/fiscal-implications-population-aging-chile
[Category: IADB]
EPA Announces Wetland Program Grant Recipients in Region 8
WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Announces Wetland Program Grant Recipients in Region 8
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DENVER - Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced nearly $3 million in grant funding for 11 projects to help study, protect, manage, and restore valuable wetlands across America's mountains and plains region.
Wetlands produce resources, support commercial industries and recreational activities, protect water quality through pollution control and provide flood protection. This year's EPA Wetland Program Development Grant
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Announces Wetland Program Grant Recipients in Region 8
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DENVER - Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced nearly $3 million in grant funding for 11 projects to help study, protect, manage, and restore valuable wetlands across America's mountains and plains region.
Wetlands produce resources, support commercial industries and recreational activities, protect water quality through pollution control and provide flood protection. This year's EPA Wetland Program Development Grantfunding will help state, Tribal, and local partners in Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming develop or enhance their wetland protection programs. These programs aim to inform and improve the health and management of wetlands in the region.
"By prioritizing wetlands, EPA is also prioritizing clean water and supporting the economic and recreational vitality of the region," said EPA Regional Administrator Cyrus Western. "EPA knows our state, local, and Tribal partners are best suited to manage the wetlands in their own backyards, and these Wetland Program Develop Grants allow them to do just that."
The 2026 EPA Region 8 Wetland Program Development Grant recipients are:
* Colorado State University - Colorado Natural Heritage Program: $434,249
* Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes: $157,843
* Montana Department of Environmental Quality: $250,000
* North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality: $262,500
* South Dakota Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources: $303,305
* Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Indian Reservation: $321,417
* Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians: at least $149,514
* University of Montana - O'Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West: $231,693
* University of Wyoming: $269,444
* Utah Geological Survey: $235,888
* Utah State University: $345,044
In addition to the nearly $3 million in federal awards to Region 8 recipients this year, the awardees bring over $1 million in matching funds, totaling $4,253,834 in project costs across the region for 2026.
EPA Wetland Program Development Grants are typically awarded biannually to states, Tribes, territories, local governments, and academic institutions to help increase the quantity and quality of wetlands in the U.S. This EPA funding supports activities that are part of recipients' current wetland program plans or helps recipients develop wetland programs for the first time. More information about the grants is available on the EPA website.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-announces-wetland-program-grant-recipients-region-8
A New Era for Amtrak Cascades: Airo Fleet Debuts Sept. 30
WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 -- Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corp.) issued the following news:
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A New Era for Amtrak Cascades: Airo Fleet Debuts Sept. 30
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Pacific Northwest customers will be the first in the nation to experience Amtrak's newest trains
PACIFIC NORTHWEST - Beginning Sept. 30, customers can experience the new Airo trainsets on the Amtrak Cascades as Amtrak introduces its newest fleet into passenger service. Two trainsets, operating four daily trips, will begin carrying customers on launch day, marking the first phase of Airo's introduction between Vancouver, B.C., Seattle,
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 -- Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corp.) issued the following news:
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A New Era for Amtrak Cascades: Airo Fleet Debuts Sept. 30
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Pacific Northwest customers will be the first in the nation to experience Amtrak's newest trains
PACIFIC NORTHWEST - Beginning Sept. 30, customers can experience the new Airo trainsets on the Amtrak Cascades as Amtrak introduces its newest fleet into passenger service. Two trainsets, operating four daily trips, will begin carrying customers on launch day, marking the first phase of Airo's introduction between Vancouver, B.C., Seattle,Portland and Eugene, Oregon. As the rollout continues, additional trainsets will enter service through early 2027 bringing more seats, modern amenities, enhanced accessibility, panoramic windows and a refreshed onboard experience to even more Amtrak Cascades customers.
"The arrival of the new Airo fleet marks an exciting moment for the Amtrak Cascades and passenger rail in the Pacific Northwest," said Amtrak Interim President Byl Herrmann. "After extensive planning, design, manufacturing and testing, we're just weeks away from welcoming customers aboard. This is an important milestone not only for Amtrak Cascades customers, but for Amtrak's broader effort to modernize and expand passenger rail across the country."
Designed for the Pacific Northwest
The new trainsets feature the signature Amtrak Cascades evergreen, cream and mocha color palette along with design elements inspired by the Cascade mountain range. The arrival of the new fleet marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for passenger rail across the Pacific Northwest.
"Oregon continues to reach record train ridership, and we are proud to partner with Amtrak to bring their new trains to the Pacific Northwest," said Chris Warner, interim director of the Oregon Department of Transportation. "Amtrak Cascades offers Oregonians and visitors a chance to leave I-5 traffic behind and enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. We look forward to welcoming the new trains and giving even more people the opportunity to experience passenger rail in Oregon."
"These new Amtrak Cascades trains are a game-changer for rail travel in the Pacific Northwest," said WSDOT Secretary Julie Meredith. "They bring improved reliability, comfort, and amenities to one of the most scenic rail corridors in the country. We're particularly excited to be the first in the nation to introduce these new trains into service."
A New Experience Onboard
The new trainsets are designed to make every trip more comfortable, convenient and connected. Inside, customers will find more than 300 seats per trainset along with a range of features that enhance the onboard experience.
* Enhanced comfort: Ergonomically designed seating with adjustable headrests, panoramic windows, enhanced lighting and modern interiors.
* More ways to stay connected: Complimentary Wi-Fi, individual power outlets and USB ports, and digital customer information displays.
* Improved accessibility: Accessible seating and features throughout the train, automated steps, enhanced wayfinding and six spacious restrooms with touchless controls.
* A refreshed Cafe experience: Featuring food and beverage offerings inspired by the Pacific Northwest.
Be Among the First to Ride
The initial launch on Sept. 30 will feature two trainsets operating four daily trips, connecting communities across the Pacific Northwest.
* Northbound*
Train 516: Seattle - Vancouver, B.C. | 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Train 508: Eugene - Seattle | 4:30 p.m. - 10:50 p.m.
* Southbound*
Train 503: Seattle - Eugene | 7:10 a.m. - 1:48 p.m.
Train 519: Vancouver, B.C. - Seattle | 4:45 p.m. - 9:10 p.m.
Amtrak has ordered eight Airo trainsets for the Amtrak Cascades, along with two new locomotives and a spare cab car. As additional trainsets enter service, Airo will continue expanding across the route, ultimately replacing the existing Amtrak Cascades fleet.
The First Step in a National Airo Rollout
As the first route in the nation to welcome these new trains into passenger service, Amtrak Cascades features a distinctive fleet designed specifically for the Pacific Northwest. Future Airo trainsets operating on other routes will reflect Amtrak's national red, white and blue branding while maintaining the defining features and customer-focused design of the Airo fleet.
Looking ahead, the next planned Airo deployment is on the Northeast Regional, where the first trainset recently completed production and began testing. Additional trainsets remain in production ahead of a planned service launch in late 2027.
Manufactured in the United States by Siemens Mobility, Airo trainsets incorporate components from nearly 100 suppliers across 31 states, supporting American manufacturing and jobs.
"When the first Airo trainsets welcome passengers later this month, it will mark the start of a journey that extends far beyond the Pacific Northwest," said Tobias Bauer, CEO of Siemens Mobility North America. "Airo represents the next level for American passenger rail, built on a proven platform that combines innovation, comfort, and accessibility. Designed and assembled in the USA, as this fleet expands nationwide, its impact will be measured not only by new technology, but by the millions of passenger journeys it makes possible."
Learn more about the new Airo fleet at media.amtrak.com/airo-fleet/.
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Original text here: https://media.amtrak.com/2026/09/a-new-era-for-amtrak-cascades-airo-fleet-debuts-sept-30/
