Association News

What The Election Results Mean for Trains

Transit Comes Through on the Ballot (With a Few Big Exceptions)

Republicans Have Inside Track to Gain Control of the House

Voters Reward House Republicans Who Backed Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

• Rep. Don Bacon, NE

• Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, NY

• Rep. Chris Smith, NJ

• Rep. Jeff Van Drew, NJ

• Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, PA

• Rep. Andrew Garbarino, NY

We've always known, however, that infrastructure investment -- and especially passenger rail investment -- had the potential to be a truly bipartisan issue. In fact, in our independent polling released in March, we found that:

* 78% of Americans support passenger rail investment, including 95% of Democrats and 61% of Republicans

* 60% of those surveyed would have supported spending $100 billion for passenger rail in the infrastructure plan – one-third more than the $66 billion guaranteed in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. And nearly half – 42% -- would have gone even higher

* Two thirds of those surveyed think there should be a “National” railroad plan. In addition, 66% of Americans also think there should be a National High Speed Rail plan.

* Some 64% of Americans support the idea of using tax dollars to pay for upkeep on tracks and trainsets – roughly similar to the number of Americans who support using Federal dollars to fund the U.S. air traffic control system, and much higher than the 47% who think Federal dollars should be used to maintain airports.

Rail Passengers applauds these Members of Congress for standing up for sensible infrastructure investment, and we’re pleased their constituents saw it the same way.

Rise of the Amtrak Republican?

It was a bad night for House Democrats in the New York Metroplex. Democratic Reps. Sean Patrick Maloney (NY) and Tom Malinowski (NJ), both members of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, were defeated by challengers Mike Lawler and Tom Kean, respectively. Representatives-elect Lawler and Kean will be joined by several other New York Republicans that won close contests for open seats.

If the GOP does win control of the House, the red surge in the New York Metro could be a windfall for Amtrak, which has seen some of its strongest GOP support come from Republicans representing Northeast Corridor districts (see: above story). These NEC reps could also influence recent oversight efforts we’ve seen coming from Republican leadership on the T&I Committee.

Rail Passengers will make sure to connect with these incoming Members of Congress during our annual Rail Passengers’ Day on the Hill in March.
 

Senate Too Close to Call

The race for control of the Senate remains too close to call. While Democratic Senator Mark Kelly (AZ) appears to have a slight edge, fellow Democratic Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (NV) is trailing challenger Adam Laxalt. For both races, it’s likely to take a few more days for election officials and volunteers to certify the results. Meanwhile, the Georgia Senate race between Senator Raphael Warnock and challenger Herschel Walker is already headed to a December 8th runoff.

Democrats would need to win two out of these three contests to retain control of the Senate.

This contest will likely have a big impact on the upcoming budget negotiations, with Democrats likely to support higher funding levels for Biden Administration priorities. While passenger train capital funding is largely locked-in by the BIL, Amtrak and transit operations are still highly dependent on annual appropriations. That operating number will have an impact on everything from onboard staffing levels to the ability of Amtrak to build the administrative capacity it needs effectively invest BIL capital dollars.

As always, Rail Passengers will keep you up to date with all the relevant passenger train news as soon as it’s confirmed!
 

Rail Passengers x Amtrak 
 

Join us on Tuesday, November 15th as we speak directly to Amtrak’s Vice President of Long Distance Service Larry Chestler about the state of passenger service, and what the future holds for America’s Railroad.

Rail Passengers President & CEO Jim Mathews will join Mr. Chestler to discuss: 

• The timeline for the full restoration of pre-pandemic service levels; 

• Near-term plans for improving onboard services; 

• Hiring initiatives to address worker shortages at the railroad; and 

• Work being done to design and manufacture new intercity passenger trainsets.

REGISTER NOW

This has been a year of ups and downs for U.S. rail passengers. The pandemic hit the travel industry hard, and we’re starting to see services come back to pre-COVID levels. It’s been far from a smooth process, however, and we’ve heard from many of you about Amtrak service issues. Almost 800 Rail Passengers members and supporters have taken our service survey since we launched it in August, and we've heard about disruptions, cancellations, last-minute rescheduling, and more.

But it hasn’t been all doom and gloom.  Amtrak has recently announced plans for a Superliner replacement, coach passengers are coming back to the dining car, and we’ll soon see the return of traditional dining in the East.

Registration will close Monday, November 14th at Midnight Eastern. The event link and information will be sent to you the morning of the event

We know our members have a lot of questions for Amtrak, so we’re asking registrants to submit questions before Monday, November 14th as we feel our members deserve direct answers after so many years of committed support.  Send in your topic specific questions to Madison Butler at mbutler@narprail.org with the subject line "RPA x AMTRAK Webinar."

Americans depend on Amtrak to provide safe, timely transportation. We look forward to having a conversation with Mr. Chestler about their plans for the next year, which is sure to shape our advocacy efforts for the newly-elected Congress.

***NOTICE: Please make sure that @narprail.org email addresses are approved in your inbox and not going directly to spam.  We are getting messages from people saying that they are not receiving confirmations or the webinar links when they are sent out - though our system is showing that they were.  If you are using Gmail, please check your "promotions" folder***

Miss out on our past events? You can watch them on our YouTube channel or through our website at railpassengers.org/webinars

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!

STORE UPDATE!
 

Donate Online with Confidence

You can donate to the Rail Passengers Association online with confidence, knowing your credit card information is secure. Fundraise Up uses industry-standard SSL technology to keep your information secure. Supply chain disruptions are impacting our print production vendor. Don’t wait for a paper appeal to donate, support the Association by donating today.

Rail Passengers Timetables Update!

Postal Service Mishandling Forces RPA To Change Contributions Process

NEW UPDATE - 8/5/2022
 

A message from the President and CEO:

In a meeting with the U.S. Postal Service staff responsible for your Association’s nonprofit permits and services, I learned that when our supporters mailed us contribution checks using our postage-paid envelopes, postal clerks have been sending those envelopes to the dead-letter processing center instead of to us here at RPA.

The Postal Service believes that as many as 2,800 contributions, which could total as much as $160,000 of your contributions are either in the Atlanta shredder or scheduled to be destroyed. This explains why our revenue in recent months has tracked so poorly: our loyal supporters have been contributing, but the Postal Service has waylaid those contributions!

As a result, I cannot trust the Postal Service any longer to correctly handle any pieces of mail that do not involve a first-class stamp. THEREFORE, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, WE WILL NO LONGER USE A NONPROFIT U.S.P.S. PERMIT TO SUPPLY SUPPORTERS WITH POSTAGE-PAID RETURN ENVELOPES. 

I apologize, but I must now ask that you put a first-class stamp on your envelope with contributions to our work. But clearly, with as much as $160,000 of our revenue now destined for the shredder, the best course of action is to make sure you can mail your check directly to our offices here at the Association for processing, or to encourage everyone to consider making donations online rather than via postal mail.

If you still have a stash of postage-paid envelopes from the Rail Passengers Association that you intend to use to send us a contribution or dues check, please discard them. Affixing a stamp will not work since there are still codes on the envelope that could send your mail astray. Please discard those envelopes.

Your support makes our work possible and I thank you for all you have done and continue to do for us. If you are able to help us with a new or replacement donation, it is very much appreciated and allows us to continue to focus on the issues that matter to you. You can mail a check to the office, or you can always contribute using our secure online donation system, you can do so by clicking here. It’s safe, secure, easy, quick...and completely free from the unreliability of the U.S. Postal Service.

Get Your Own ‘Rail Passengers’ Signature Federal Credit Union VISA Card!


 

Hotline Links
 

• Orlando area airports, SunRail shutting down for Tropical Storm Nicole, Orlando Sentinel
  
  Commuter rail service and flights from Orlando were suspended beginning this past Wednesday in anticipation of Tropical Storm Nicole. A complete inspection of the corridor will follow the storm’s passing.
   
• DETOUR: Amtrak prepares for winter weather in North Dakota, KX News 
  
  Westbound trains will be rerouted skipping stops in Grand Forks, Devils Lake, and Rugby, towns between Fargo and Minot, this Friday and Saturday due to winter weather. Amtrak Public Relations Manager Marc Magliari stated they are loading up salt bags, shovels, and winter gear for crew members in anticipation of the season ahead.
   
• U.S. railroads, union extend strike deadline until at least Dec. 4, Reuters
  
  The International Brotherhood of Teamsters and National Carriers’ Conference Committee have extended their cooling-off period. 
   
• USDOT Expands Financing for Certain Transit Projects, Lex Blog 
  
  Low cost flexible financing for transit and transit oriented development with financing of up to 49% of a given project is being offered by the USDOT through their Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act. DOT representatives have voiced that they are prepared to help provide technical assistance for those applying.
   
• Rancho Cucamonga-to-Las Vegas rail line will do more than carry passengers, IE Business Daily 
  
  In anticipation of the coming Olympics, the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority is working double time with Brightline West to get construction going and utilize the corridor purchased by the private company as quickly as possible. 
   
• Three U.S. Senators call for Dallas-Fort Worth to Atlanta passenger rail service, Texas Rail Advocates  
  
  Republican Senators Cassidy, Hyde-Smith, and Wicker joined members of the Southern Rail Commision to voice their support for development of the I-20 rail corridor. Voicing the benefits to their states and constituents, their sentiments were echoed by other speakers, including FRA Administrator Amit Bose and APTA Executive John Robert Smith.
   
• Key safety approval could delay MTA’s long-stalled East Side Access project, Gothamist 
  
  A lack of Critical safety approvals could delay the East Side Access project. If so, their timeline for open could be pushed back from the end of 2022 to Spring 2023.
   
• Ex-NYC subways boss Andy Byford back in US and looking for work, NY Post 
  
  British transplant, and former MTA NYC Transit President, Andy Byfordhas returned to the U.S. and is entertaining a new role stateside.
   
• Glenview, Ill., group objects to condition sought by Metra in CP-KCS merger, Trains
  
  An anti-rail group, the Glenview ACTION Committee, voiced their opposition to Metra’s request to propose a new connection. Those of you in the region may remember this group as the Committee that helped block Hiawatha expansion efforts.
   
• WATCH NOW: Twin Cities-Milwaukee-Chicago rail project shares details, LaCrosse Tribune 
  
  Check out this video offering an overview of the TCMC project and what may come in future months!
   
• Opinion | Why Iowa City needs Amtrak, The Daily Iowan 
  
  Shahab Khan makes the case for putting Iowa City on the map in this thoughtful opinion piece. Citing the congestion and dangers of Interstates 80 and 88, Khan supports increasing safety and reducing pollution by utilizing the benefits of passenger rail. 
   
• Independent Study OKs Single Bore Tunnel for BART Silicon Valley Phase II, Railway Age 
  
  Learn more about the tunneling recommended for BART Silicon Valley Phase II with this in depth coverage by Railway Age. The study includes a review on the trade-offs of single bore vs double tunneling and provides detailed mapping for the project. 

#ICYMI - In Case You Missed It:

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. 

Rail Passengers Staff Updates

Where are we, and what are we working on? This section will update you on what Rail Passengers HQ is up to…even when we’re all working online or from home
 

• Jim Mathews, President & CEO, alongside Policy VP Sean Jeans Gail, spent the week preparing for various election scenarios and then working to understand what the outcome might mean for the transportation committees, legislative priorities, and the future of rail-project funding from last year’s historic infrastructure bill, signed into law by President Biden in November 2021. He also did some press interviews and met with international vendors of railcar interior systems as they try to understand the U.S. rail landscape.
   
• Sean Jeans Gail, Vice President of Policy, spent the week tracking what election results meant for America’s passengers. You can read his full analyses here.
   
• Jeanne Lawrie, Director of Resource Development, is working on our end of year fundraising efforts and crafting our message for #GivingTuesday. Also spent time this week speaking with donors and closing out October revenue and sending the final report to accounting.
   
• Joe Aiello, National Field Coordinator, worked with fellow staff to prepare next week’s special webinar event with Amtrak’s Larry Chestler as well as getting ready for our annual Giving Tuesday campaign.
   
• Madison Butler, Communications Manager, supported the work of senior staff by preparing webinar materials, drafting working group documentation, and meeting with staff members and volunteers to wrap up end of year goals.
   
• Samantha Brown, Membership Associate, continues to speak with members and donors about the benefits of membership to help potential members join and help current members stay with our organization. Attended the staff meeting, and worked with the team to resolve membership issues that have arisen.

Member & Donor Notices

• The Rail Passengers Association is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Our federal tax identification number is 36-2615221
   

• To help facilitate dissemination of electronic thank you receipts in 2022, please make sure your contact information, specifically your email address, is up-to-date in your Neon profile.
   

• If you need assistance with your membership, please call the Office at 202-408-8362.
   

• 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). 
   

• Complete all information! -- Before sealing your envelope, PLEASE double-check the credit card information on the buck slip!

  • Print credit card information clearly.

  • Include an expiration date, month and year, as well as the CVV number. 

  • Without COMPLETE information your membership renewal or donation can’t be processed. 
     

• If you have your financial institution send a check on your behalf, without a buckslip, PLEASE instruct them to add:

  • a notation in the memo field if the payment is for membership dues or a donation, AND,

  • 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.

Remember, you can renew your Rail Passengers Association membership online through “My Account” on the home page.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act includes new tax incentives for charitable giving. --- We’ve provided a quick overview here and encourage each of you to seek advice from a financial planner.

If you have a donor advised fund, please consider recommending a grant from your fund to be the Rail Passengers Association. It is a great way to maintain flexibility with your support throughout the year. For more information, go to http://myimpact.railpassengers.org/daf. As always, please feel free to contact Jeanne Lawrie if you have any questions. 
 

The Rail Passengers Association would like to
thank our Annual Partners for their support!