Newsletter 2/14/25: Bills to Expand Illinois Railway Program

Bills to Expand Illinois Railway Program Announced

Illinois has always been at the heart of America’s rail network, and it is uniquely poised to lead the country towards great trains.

Because of its political heft and Chicago’s role as the nation’s rail hub, a growing and dynamic railway program in Illinois will transform the national conversation.

Three newly introduced pieces of legislation offer a roadmap to realize this vision. We would like to thank Senator Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro), Senator Mike Porfirio (D-Burbank), Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford), Representative Matt Hanson (D-Batavia), and Representative Martin Moylan (D-Des Plaines), for their leadership on this effort.

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Passengers have just disembarked from a Metra UP North train at Ravenswood.
A woman is walking with her child to board a regional train.

New Order Outlines DOT Agenda Under Trump. It Makes a Powerful Case for Trains.

The US Department of Transportation recently issued an order that, if interpreted literally, makes a powerful case for big investments in high-speed rail, transit, and conventional passenger trains.

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Brightline West Moving Towards Construction

Brightline West, the Las Vegas to Southern California high-speed line, expects to start construction very soon. The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) says they are waiting on Brightline West to secure financing for the $12 billion project, as well as finalizing its design and contractor deals.

Senior Project Manager at NDOT Eric Scheetz says he “expects shovels to hit the ground within the next few months, kicking off heavy work on the project.”

Read More:

Heavy Work on Brightline’s Vegas-to-LA Project May Begin Soon

Brightline West Revealed – Newest Information and HSR Route Analysis (Video)

Brightline West – Fast, Clean Connection between Los Angeles and Las Vegas

Brightline West Construction Should Start Within Two Months

Concept rendering of a Brightline West high-speed train.
collage of swag items

Get HSR Merch

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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Tiny HS2 VL 33107 TBM Dorthy ready to launch at Long Inchington Wood Tunnel North Portal

What’s up With Britain’s HS2 High-Speed Rail Project?

When: Friday, February 21 at 12pm CT on Zoom

The UK has long been a world leader in rail infrastructure, and HS2 represents the largest investment in the rail network since the Victorian era.  It is a huge undertaking that brings with it challenges and opportunities. With Phase 1 of the project at peak construction, hear from members of HS2’s Public Affairs team on the latest from the program, the political and communications challenges, and much more!

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Put Michigan on the Fast Track

When: Friday, February 28 at 11am CT on Zoom

Imagine a Michigan where fast, frequent, and affordable trains connect small towns and cities. An integrated network of trains, regional buses, and local transit can become the backbone of a thriving state economy and revitalize communities. Michigan already has a head start, thanks to its established passenger-rail program. This gives the state a chance to lead the nation by embracing modern, sustainable transportation. In this talk by Alliance executive director Rick Harnish, you can learn about the state’s assets, the most strategic investments, and how to make great trains in Michigan a reality.

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The Latest from HSRA

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Check out the latest news, updates, and high speed rail insights from our blog!

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Our Take on CNN’s Recent HSR Piece

Our Take on CNN’s Recent HSR Piece

CNN recently published a piece about high-speed rail that focuses on three routes: Chicago to New York, San Francisco to Los Angeles, and Atlanta to Orlando. It notes that air travel is a mess and that high-speed trains “would offer Americans an attractive...

Why I Joined the Alliance’s Team

Why I Joined the Alliance’s Team

It's my first Giving Tuesday with the High Speed Rail Alliance, and I'm asking for your help to build a fast, frequent rail network in the U.S. Make your early Giving Tuesday gift today I joined the HSRA team in September 2025, and it’s been amazing to connect with so...

Why Rick Fights for Great Trains

Why Rick Fights for Great Trains

Join me in fighting for vibrant, healthy communities Two recent trips to Elyria, OH reminded me of why I’m in the fight for great trains. Elyria is so typical of so many American cities. A great public square, many of the great, human scale buildings still intact,...