There is still a path for pushing back against the cuts As we reported recently, the House’s Build America 250 Act would simultaneously slash funding for passenger trains and strip it of “advanced appropriation” status, so the money wouldn’t be guaranteed. A House...
Newsletter 5/22/26: Guaranteed Funding for Trains
Tell Congress: Provide Guaranteed Funding for Trains
The House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure advanced a surface transportation bill, called the Building Unrivaled Infrastructure and Long-term Development for America’s 250th (BUILD America 250) Act. The bill determines funding levels for roads, bridges, transit, rail transportation, and highway programs for the next five years.
This version of the surface transportation bill doesn’t provide guaranteed funding for passenger rail. Instead, rail programs would have to fight for funding through the budget process every year. This is a dramatic shift from the IIJA (the last surface transportation bill), which provided about $66 billion for rail over five years.
Passenger rail advocates need to make their voices heard. Take action and ensure there is dedicated funding for trains over the next five years!
Why Starting in the Central Valley Is a Great Idea
Even a short segment of high-speed line—planned strategically and with a big-picture view in mind—will have massive ripple-out effects on an entire transportation network. And way beyond.
It not only balloons ridership and lowers costs across the network. It slashes pollution and greenhouse gases, lowers road fatalities and injuries, multiplies opportunities for students and workers, and creates stronger communities and a better overall quality of life for everyone in the corridor.
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When you join the High Speed Rail Alliance, you support elected officials and other local leaders working for fast, frequent, and affordable trains connecting communities all over North America. Every donation gives advocates for better train service a stronger voice. And, you can get some cool merch to help share the news with your friends.
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