Newsletter 4/17/26: Amtrak to Order New Trains and Illinois Rail Planning Update

Amtrak to Order Cars for Long-Distance Routes

Amtrak announced this week that it has launched procurement for more than 800 single-level coaches, sleeping cars, dining cars, and lounge cars for its long-distance routes.

This is excellent news, as we have been urging Amtrak to place this order, but we must stay engaged to assure there are no further delays.

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A conceptual image of a high-seed train existing a tunnel.

Dig the Damn Tunnels

It’s time for California to get serious about high-speed rail. The current timeline is unacceptable.

If high-speed rail really is one of the most powerful tools we have to shift travelers away from fossil-fuels—and it is—the legislature must get real, be bold, and fund it at levels that allow for a near-future launch.

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Illinois Passenger Rail Commission Could Take on State Planning

The Passenger Rail Planning Act may be amended to shift the initial planning responsibility to the existing Illinois High Speed Rail Commission – meaning that deliberations and recommendations will come from people whose priority is trains, not highways.

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Support the American High-Speed Rail Act of 2026

Support the American High-Speed Rail Act of 2026

Ask Your U.S. Representative to Cosponsor the American High-Speed Rail Act In May, U.S. Representatives Seth Moulton (D-MA) and Suzan DelBene (D-WA) introduced the American High-Speed Rail Act of 2026. This bill would provide $205 billion over five years for the...