Many residents, commuters and businesses in Arizona are celebrating the recent launch of a new steel wheeled rail service that connects the cities of Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa.

According to news accounts, the mood on the trains has been positive as riders relax, listen to music and read. Even during the first few days of service ridership has been good, with evening train almost full as commuters return home. Some residents reported using the rail system because of its convenience or to reduce their carbon footpint and promote sustainability. Other passengers said in news articles they were riding to save money on gas and parking.

Rail has also brought economic benefits. City leaders in Tempe are crediting the rail system with attracting $4 billion in projects, while the mayor of Phoenix attributes thousands of jobs to rail.

National Rail News

Even as gas prices have declined in the past few months, rail ridership has been strong across the country, according to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). Read APTA's latest news release.

Here is a sampling of news stories from around the country about increasing rail ridership and rail transit:

BOSTON

DALLAS

DENVER

MARYLAND

NEW YORK CITY

SALT LAKE CITY

SOUTH FLORIDA