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Table of Contents:
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“High-speed rail is faster, cleaner, safer, and better for our economy. It will connect people to more jobs in new places, give Americans freedom and choice in how they travel, and put us on par with the rest of the world. This bill is the plan that will get us there. We spend vast amounts of money subsidizing planes, which are delayed by weather, and roads, which are crumbling nationwide. We have the chance to think big and think differently. Let’s not waste the opportunity.”
- Congressman Seth Moulton (MA-06) in a statement reintroducing the American High Speed Rail Act
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Share your thoughts, feelings, and reactions to issues you may have had on a recent (or upcoming) Amtrak trip. Dining or observation car taken off? Faulty equipment during the trip? Dirty windows & exterior? Rebooked to coach due a missing sleeper?
Thanks to your support and participation in previous surveys, we have been able to take the passenger's voice straight to Congress and Amtrak Executives.
Help us keep hammering the message home and share this survey with other passengers!
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Wheels of Progress: Washington Union, Interstate Rail Compacts
Washington Union Station Clears Environmental Hurdle
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) issued a combined Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS)/Record of Decision (ROD) for the Washington Union Station Expansion Project on March 12th, clearing a major regulatory hurdle in the effort to expand and modernize the historic train station in Washington, D.C.
This week’s agreement clears the way for final design to advance, the final step before construction can begin. The $9.8 billion upgrade to Washington Union Station will include a rebuilt and expanded Claytor Concourse, along with added passenger concourses; new points of access and egress to and from train platforms, along with wider platforms; expanded track capacity; better integration of the station with the surrounding street network; upgraded connections to local transit services; and improved ADA access. The project will also deck over sections of track to create new real estate and public spaces, and improve mobility along the city’s H Street corridor.
One of the key decisions in the selected alternative is a below ground parking facility that represents a 65% reduction in parking capacity compared to the 2020 draft proposal, and 77% reduction compared to the existing garage.
FRA Awards $900,000 in Planning and Development Grants for Interstate Rail Compacts
The FRA also announced on March 14th that it has awarded $900,000 to three entities through the Interstate Rail Compacts (IRC) Grant Program. Created by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the IRC Program supports the work of regional rail authorities, which are uniquely positioned to develop intercity passenger rail networks across state and county political jurisdictions.
“As funding from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law advances transformative rail projects in communities around the country, FRA is supporting all elements needed for new passenger rail services, from planning and development to the implementation of service,” said FRA Administrator Amit Bose. “The Interstate Rail Compacts Grant Program fills a vital need by providing entities implementing interstate rail compacts with the resources to build up an organizational and human infrastructure for the fluid operation of new services that will meet the needs of local communities.”
IRCs are an agreement between two-or-more states to create an entity that will handle planning, administration, and coordination required to develop and operate interstate passenger rail service. All IRC Program applicants are required to provide a 50% local funding match. The three recipients of this year's grants are:
- Illinois – MIPRC Expansion Project (Up to $300,000) - Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Commission (MIPRC): The proposed grant involves activities such as administration, promotion of intercity passenger rail operations, and preparation of competitive federal grant program applications. The project will help MIPRC increase efforts to advocate for and support the development and implementation of a robust passenger rail network in the Midwest region.
- Louisiana – SRC Rail-Ready Project: Building Capacity to Expand Passenger Rail across the American South (Up to $400,000) - Southern Rail Commission (SRC): The proposed grant involves activities such as administration, promotion of intercity passenger rail operations, operations coordination, and preparation of competitive federal grant program applications. The project will help the SRC build its organizational capacity to continue to support the expansion of intercity passenger rail service in the Southeast region.
- North Carolina – VA-NC Compact Administration & Southeast Rail Network Analysis Project (Up to $200,000) - North Carolina DOT on behalf of the Virginia – North Carolina Interstate High-Speed Rail Compact Commission (VA-NC HSR Compact): The proposed grant involves administration and system planning activities to complete the Southeast Rail Network Analysis. The project will help advance efforts to improve the fluidity of the Southeast rail network to benefit both passenger and freight rail.
Amtrak Releases General and Legislative Annual Report & Fiscal Year 2025 Grant Request
Amtrak released its annual report to Congress this week, which highlights that ridership has almost returned to pre-pandemic levels, and that it expects to exceed it prior ridership record in 2024.
“In Fiscal Year (FY) 2023, Amtrak’s ridership returned dramatically, with 28.5 million customers counting on us to safely take them to one of 524 destinations across the United States and Canada—from small towns like Havre, Montana (population: 9,362) to huge metropolises like greater New York City (population: 20.1 million),” wrote Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner. “This level of ridership is significant on two fronts: it represents a 25% increase over the previous fiscal year, and was equal to about 89% of pre-COVID-19 levels. Excitingly, monthly ridership was at or above pre-pandemic levels as we completed the final months of the year and this trend has continued so far in FY 24.”
It also provided details on nearly $2.9 billion in capital projects funded by the IIJA and Congressional appropriations—with plans to dramatically ramp up investments in the coming years.
Other highlights include:
- Workforce — Amtrak hired more than 4,800 new employees, excluding internal hires (up from 3,700 in FY 22), bringing its total active workforce at year-end to more than 21,600 people.
- Investment Ramp-Up Coming: The FRA and U.S. Department of Transportation obligated or contingently obligated almost $9.7 billion to Amtrak during Calendar Year 2023, most of which was provided by the IIJA.
Moulton Leads Again On High-Speed Rail
By Jim Mathews / President & CEO
In case you missed it, Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA) has re-introduced his American High Speed Rail Act, alongside Washington State’s Rep. Suzan DelBene (D), and this time I’m happy to report that the measure has 25 co-sponsors out of the gate and is enjoying a lot more buzz than it once did.
H.R. 7600, introduced this week, was referred to both the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and House Committee on Ways and Means. The bill would not only invest $41 billion per year over a five-year period, but incentivize another $38 billion in private-capital investment while lowering costs and speeding project delivery.
"We spend vast amounts of money subsidizing planes, which are delayed by weather, and roads, which are crumbling nationwide,” Moulton said in a prepared statement. “We have the chance to think big and think differently.”
His 2020 white paper outlining his high-speed plan is simultaneously visionary and achievable – if we just decide it’s important enough to tackle the challenge.
When we were asked in advance of this re-introduction whether we would lend our support, the answer from me was a quick and enthusiastic “Yes!” The reasons center on many of the points he raised in his 2020 white paper. I am especially supportive of Rep. Moulton’s creative policy innovations in H.R. 7600 aimed at encouraging public-private partnerships and unshackling our country’s private-sector capacity.
Rep. Moulton (who I like to remind folks has been a member of our Association even before he was a elected to Congress) outlined a very American approach which by rights should draw bipartisan support. His argument was – and is – the essence of our own continuing case for Federal investment in passenger rail: in the United States, we traditionally spend taxpayer dollars to create the pre-conditions for the success of private capital. And this is no different.
“Given the fundamental efficiencies and competitive advantages of rail — so fundamental that American freight railroads continue to fund their own infrastructure while the American taxpayer foots the bill for all our roads — there is a strong argument for shifting a larger proportion of government transportation investment to rail, just as China has done,” Rep. Moulton said. “Such a bold move would make Eisenhower proud, but our politically fractured times make grand visions much more challenging.”
At a minimum, he argues, we need policies to level the playing field so that we don’t subsidize one travel mode disproportionately over others, blocking the emergence of cleaner, faster, and safer alternatives.
“In other words,” Rep. Moulton says, “let America’s free market thrive in next-century transportation and infrastructure by simply allowing high-speed rail and other 21st-century technologies to compete against older options.”
In my statement of support this week for H.R. 7600, I highlighted Rep. Moulton’s policy innovations, which some of the press coverage, sadly, overlooked.
Investing new Federal dollars, along with streamlining project delivery, allowing Federal benefit-cost evaluation standards to encompass the full range of rail investment’s benefits, and enacting tax incentives encouraging freight railroads to participate, will produce real results and progress. The American High Speed Rail Act will not only improve the experience of riders, it will also connect long-neglected communities to the economic benefits which fast, safe, efficient mobility brings.
Rep. Moulton’s leadership on this issue has been visionary and steadfast, and we support his efforts to give Americans the transportation network they deserve. We hope you do, too.
Parties Tell STB Gulf Coast Roadblocks Could Clear In May
By Rail Passengers Staff
Amtrak, Norfolk-Southern, CSX, and the Port of Alabama today told the Surface Transportation Board that most of the obstacles to the long-awaited and now Federally funded restoration of service between Mobile and New Orleans could be cleared by May.
Earlier this month a clearly frustrated STB ordered all four parties to file written clarifications by today over the status of Federal grants, environmental reviews, and Amtrak’s land-use agreement with Mobile, putting them on notice that the Board wants to see evidence of substantive progress.
In the four parties’ joint filing today to the Gulf Coast docket, we learned that Amtrak hopes to have terms worked out with the Federal Railroad Administration for its $178 million Gulf Coast restoration CRISI grant by May, which it would then turn over to the two host railroads – N-S and CSX – and the Port of Alabama.
In addition, streamlined reviews through a categorical exclusion process to Federal environmental protection laws should be finished in April.
Meanwhile, talks that began in 2021 continue with the City of Mobile over the required land-use agreement for the station and platform project. Amtrak also acknowledged that it has asked Mobile for a little more than $3 million – “which is the same amount the City of Mobile already approved in 2020” – to cover the first three years of restored service.
However, Amtrak explained in the Parties’ joint status report that Amtrak is not asking for any funds beyond the first three years or beyond what the City already approved in 2020.
They’re hoping the City Council will schedule a vote on the land-use agreement and on the payment sometime in April or May. However, that would once again put the fate of this nationally significant project in the hands of seven Mobile City Council members – five of whom would have to approve it all over again.
The parties told the STB they would file another status report to the docket by May 1 updating the situation.
Read or download the joint status report by using the STB’s records-search function here, and searching in Docket FD 36496.
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CALL TO ACTION - Kentucky State Rail Plan Public Comment/Survey Is Live
Members in Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio, Indiana, Missouri, West Virginia have the unique opportunity to provide feedback directly to those deciding what’s next for the Bluegrass State! Click HERE to take the 10-minute survey! For more information on the process, please visit the KY Rail Plan Website.
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Please contact Joe Aiello (jaiello@narprail.org) if you have any local, state or regional stories that you would like to share!
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Where are we, and what are we working on? This section will update you on what
Rail Passengers HQ is up to while we're in the field, at the table, and on the rails.
Jim Mathews, President & CEO, spent much of the week buried in legal arcana around categorical exclusions and their potential uses in speeding project delivery for rail projects around the country, as well as preparing materials for RailNation. He also did a handful of press interviews and finalized the Association’s support for Rep. Seth Moulton’s American High Speed Rail Act.
Sean Jeans Gail, Vice President of Policy, spent the week finalizing the legislative agenda, briefings, and meeting schedules for next week’s Rail Passengers Day on the Hill.
Jonsie Stone, Chief of Staff, continued working with YPTC to close financials, coordinated RailNation logistics with the Embassy Suites, prepared for the onsite needs of RailNation and tended to the various administrative and operational needs of the Association.
Jeanne Lawrie, Director of Resource Development, prepared our next written appeal for the printer, and spent time preparing for RailNation:DC. Jeanne also spoke with members and donors, answered questions and helped them with anything they needed.
Joe Aiello, Director of Community Engagement & Organizing, helped put the final touches on all things RailNation, as well as spoke to a group of students from Xavier University on the future of passenger rail in the state of Ohio.
M. Ned Butler, Communications Manager, coordinated with senior staff to finalize things for Rail Nation. They also met with members, students, and reporters interested in the event!
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WE HAVE UPDATED THE FULL EVENT AGENDA INCLUDING SPEAKERS, WORKSHOPS, COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING, & MORE!
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CLICK HERE FOR EVENT, VENUE, AND HOTEL INFORMATION
Presentations are already scheduled from the Texas Department of Transportation, the Southern Rail Commission, Transportation for America, with more to follow.
The normal EARLY BIRD registration fee for the two-day all-rail event is $329, but we make a limited number of reduced registrations for Rail Passengers Association members at $199. This includes meals and access to all presentations.
To obtain the reduced $199.00 registration, you must enter "RPA" in the Registration Code field and press enter. The reduced price will not show once the block of registrations is reached.
The conference hotel is the Hilton Garden Inn, which is attached to the Hurst Conference Center. A special rate of $119 a night is available until the room block is sold out.
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Please contact Joe Aiello ( jaiello@narprail.org) to have a local, state or regional meeting added to the Rail Passengers calendar (print and on-line) of upcoming events!
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Rail Passengers Webinar Series
Miss out on our past events? You can watch them on our YouTube channel or through our website at railpassengers.org/webinars
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Council Notice
Is your email address correct? Update now to receive important council information and invites!
Recently, a few of our Council members have told us that they are not receiving email alerts or meeting invites. We want to offer a few troubleshooting tips to assure you stay informed and connected:
- Check your spam and junk folders.
- Make sure you allow ALL emails from @narprail.org addresses. (look for options like “I trust content from” or “add to contacts”)
- Go to your Member Portal, log-in, and make sure we have your most up-to-date contact information, membership, and email address
- If you are still having issues with receiving emails, please report your issue through our tech support form here.
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Rail Passengers Timetables
Updated 01/02/2024
Thanks to a collaborative effort between Rail Passengers NYS Council Member Nathanael Nerode & juckins.net's Chris Juckins, we have been able to completely update our timetables resource page.
**NOW FEATURING A SELECT NUMBER OF VIA RAIL SCHEDULES!**
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It has been a very busy year for the Rail Passengers Association, and we look back with pride at the things we have achieved. From the work of the F&B working group to the grassroots advocacy of beating the THUD bill, a lot has been accomplished this year. Yet, there is still more to do. Your association won’t stop fighting for more trains, but we need your help. As you are making your year-end charitable donations, we hope you will include the Rail Passengers Association in your plans. Please donate to make sure 2024 is an even better year for passenger rail.
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With new shirts, tote bags, and mugs arriving all year round, there's something for everyone in our Bonfire store. Proceeds from sales in our store go directly back to the Association. Wear your support with one of these great conversation starters!
Have you purchased one of our fundraiser items? Take a selfie and email it to us or tag us in your post to be featured in our Hotline and on Social Media! Help spread the word about Rail Passengers Association and look stylish while doing so.
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A selection of passenger rail and transportation stories from the week. For more, check out our social media feeds on Twitter & Facebook
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- Community gives input about potential rail service in Louisville, WHAS 11
Comms Manager M. Ned Butler and other Kentuckians weigh in on the future of passenger rail in this underserved state. For those looking to make public comments online, visit the KYTC website to make your voice count!
- Amtrak For Commuters: Is Driving Cheaper Than The Train?, The Travel
There is more at play than just "dollars & cents" value.
- STB passenger advisory committee has no shortage of nominees, Trains
The STB has its hands full trying to get this "who's who" list down to just 18. Our President & CEO, as well as a number of fellow advocates, is in the mix.
- Voters Want More Transit Options - Politicians Should Listen, CT Examiner
When elected officials declare that Americans just want "the freedom of their personal car" (looking at you, AZ) - we continue to point out that they actually want more options (78% of Americans want increased investments in passenger rail)
- Why Amtrak is attempting to revive the Texas Central bullet train, NBCDFW
There is a reason Amtrak got "Train Daddy" to come back to the US.
- Ed Begley Jr continues tradition of taking public transportation to Oscars, The Independent
Well-known actor & longtime environmental activist Ed Begley Jr. arrived at the Oscars on Sunday in style
- Brightline aims to locate rail station on Florida's Space Coast, Progressive Railroading
Last week it was the Treasure Coast, now Brightline has announced its plans for a new station on Florida's Space Coast in the city of Cocoa.
- Atlanta used to have extensive public transit, actually, Atlanta Magazine
Could Atlanta look back into its transit rich history to plan its future?
- Could Wisconsin Get More Passenger Train Stations?, Milwaukee Mag
Over a decade after then Governor Scott Walker rejected $810M in federal funding for a high-speed line between Milwaukee & Madison, state officials are slowly picking up the passenger rail pieces in the “Badger State.”
- Alstom plans to operate its own passenger train service in the UK for the first time, Alstom
Some news from across the pond - Alstom is jumping into the operations game
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If you aren’t following along on social media, join us via Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and our blog posts on RailPassengers.org We are covering all the breaking news America’s passengers need to stay informed on local, regional, and national issues.
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If you are working with a local organization and have news you would like to share, please reach out and let us know by emailing Madison Butler (mbutler@narprail.org) with links to your press release, blog, or article.
Are you holding a community meeting, networking opportunity or another kind of rail-advocacy event? We can help spread the word if you send them to us. Email Joe Aiello (jaiello@narprail.org) We will include those updates in our coverage and put them on the website here.
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- The Rail Passengers Association is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Our federal tax identification number is 36-2615221
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To help facilitate dissemination of electronic thank you receipts, please make sure your contact information, specifically your email address, is up-to-date in your Neon profile.
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If you need assistance with your membership, please call the Office at 202-408-8362.
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While our staff continues to work remotely, we are unable to provide permanent membership cards. You can print a temporary membership card by creating an account at www.railpassengers.org (select “My Account” on the homepage).
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Complete all information! -- Before sealing your envelope, PLEASE double-check the credit card information on the buck slip!
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Print credit card information clearly.
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Include an expiration date, month and year, as well as the CVV number.
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Without COMPLETE information, your membership renewal or donation can’t be processed.
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If you have your financial institution send a check on your behalf, without a buckslip, PLEASE instruct them to add:
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a notation in the memo field if the payment is for membership dues or a donation, AND,
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your Rail Passengers Association member ID. If we have multiple members with the same name, i.e., John Smith, it can be hard to identify the correct member to attribute the payment, without the member ID.
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Rail Passengers Association Earns Coveted 4-Star Rating from Charity Navigator
Rail Passengers Association’s strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency have earned it a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator.
The Rail Passengers Association’s Charity Navigator profile can be found by clicking here.
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If you have questions, feedback, or submissions for next week's hotline, send us your thoughts! Help us spread the word about your local, regional, and national passenger rail wins.
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