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 2/20/26: Seeking Alternatives to Cars and Long Distance Rolling Stock
Nation Wising Up, Seeking Alternatives to Cars
We reported in October on a study that showed a surprisingly high percentage of Americans, possibly 40%, are ripe to be train passengers, because they don’t have unfettered access to a road-worthy car that they can take on a road trip for several days, or they may not be able to drive because of age (too young or too old) or disability.
Few places in the United States are readily amenable to car-free living, but we need to change that, starting now.
Alliance Continues National Push for Expedited Long-Distance Rolling Stock Order
Check out our latest video on TikTok where we highlight the urgent need for Amtrak to replace its fleet of long-distance coaches—immediately.
Other recent videos cover topics from integrated regional and high-speed rail to exciting passenger rail developments in the state of Wisconsin.
Not on TikTok? Not a problem. All videos are uploaded to our YouTube channel as well.
Support the Passenger Rail Planning Act
When: Friday, February 27 at 12pm CT
Speaker: Rick Harnish, executive director, High Speed Rail Alliance, and Dan Johnson, lobbyist, Lobbying for Improvements
The High Speed Rail Alliance has helped introduce bills into the Illinois General Assembly which would create the Passenger Rail Planning Act. HB4279, and its companion bill SB3285, would direct the Department of Transportation to aim for hourly service, at minimum, in several strategic corridors radiating from Chicago.
This legislation would establish higher standards for American passenger rail planning and set the Midwest region up for success.
Join Executive Director Rick Harnish and lobbyist Dan Johnson to learn more about the Passenger Rail Planning Act—and what you can do to get it passed.
How to Fix U.S. Railroads: An Open House Q&A With Gareth Dennis
When: Friday, March 6 at 10am CT
Speaker: Gareth Dennis, engineer and author, How the Railways Will Fix the Future
The High Speed Rail Alliance welcomes back award-winning railway engineer and author Gareth Dennis, whose seminal 2025 book How the Railways Will Fix the Future makes the case for a dramatic modal shift to rail transportation. His book shows how trains can solve some of humanity’s most pressing challenges, from climate change to social inequality.
Now, Dennis returns to lay out ways to improve U.S. freight and passenger rail—and hear from you!
Come prepared with your questions and be a part of the conversation with this leading railway champion.
Looking Down the Tracks: A Case for More Predictable Intercity Passenger Rail Funding
When: Friday, March 13 at 12pm CT
Speaker: Rebecca Higgins, vice president of policy, Eno Center for Transportation
Federal funding for Amtrak has mostly been marked by annual appropriations and underfunding—without a dedicated revenue source. The IIJA broke the mold of this short-term framework by providing $66 billion for passenger rail over five years.
In her recent paper, Looking Down the Tracks: A Case for More Predictable Intercity Passenger Rail Funding, Rebecca Higgins argues for the adoption of a long-term federal funding strategy. She joins us to outline how such model would improve efficiency, continue growing ridership, and provide investments befitting the undeniable importance of passenger trains.
The Gulf Coast Passenger Rail Renaissance
When: Friday, March 27 at 12pm CT
Speaker: Knox Ross, chairman, Southern Rail Commission
Trains are making a comeback in the Deep South.
In August 2025, the Mardi Gras Service brought back Amtrak between Mobile, Alabama and New Orleans after a 20-year absence incited by Hurricane Katrina.
This project was spearheaded by the Southern Rail Commission, a federally-recognized compact between Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi, which has promoted passenger rail expansion throughout the region since 1982.
We invite you to join us and Chairman Knox Ross to learn more about this unique organization, how the Mardi Gras Service came to be, and what lies ahead for great trains along the Gulf Coast.
Looking Down the Tracks: A Case for More Predictable Intercity Passenger Rail Funding
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