As you know, the past few weeks have been a whirlwind of activity. Executive orders and other moves by the new administration have left everyone reeling. Key things are happening right now that we must push back against:
- The Trump Administration is withholding funds already committed to passenger-rail projects.
- Amtrak’s funds—and the replacements for worn-out trainsets—are at serious risk as Congress prepares the budget for the rest of FY 2025.
- California high speed rail is under attack.
No one knows how this upheaval will play out. We have no idea where the current struggle over federal funding will lead.
Can you donate today to ensure that great trains gain ground?
Here are some things we can know for certain:
- This is a moment of change—and change snowballs in unexpected ways. It creates new opportunities and builds momentum for bigger, broader transformations. We don’t know where all of this will lead, but we know that surprising and profound changes are on the way.
- Our ideas and ideals are gaining ground. The Department of Transportation’s new policy directive endorses projects that maximize benefits for families and communities through “increased access to jobs, healthcare facilities, recreational activities, commercial activity, or any actions or project components that will help alleviate poverty, enhance safety, and primarily benefit families and communities by improving the quality of their lives, raising their standard of living, or enabling them to participate more fully in our economy” while minimizing a myriad of environmental impacts.
Did the DOT intend to prioritize trains? Probably not. Even so, it has formally endorsed projects that promote the health and overall well-being of our families and communities. That matters. When those are the stakes and the terms of the debate, trains can win.
- We have to act. Moments of profound change can feel overwhelming, even paralyzing. The antidote is to build a community and take action. By connecting with others, we can overcome paralysis and create positive, profound change. This is one of the certainties of history. And it is our great challenge in this moment.
As the new DOT has affirmed, America needs transportation that serves and supports our families and communities. You can put trains front and center in the conversation in two ways.
First, will you make a special donation? We have to get the word out about what’s going on—to more people, more effectively—right now. We can only do that with your financial support.
Second, will you reach out to friends, family, neighbors—anyone you know who will benefit from better transportation options—and tell them about the Alliance?
Your voice and your connections are the most powerful tools we have to build our community and the power of our movement. If there was ever an urgent moment to put them to work, this is it.
Thank you for being a vital part of the Alliance and helping move this vision forward.
