August 4, 2025 - T4america.org -
$66 billion was dedicated to rail in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), but this historic amount was directed into a federal structure that has repeatedly failed to efficiently manage passenger rail projects, including those already funded. We cannot afford to repeat that experience. We can’t build tomorrow’s rail system with yesterday’s tools—reform is long overdue.
Transportation for America’s policies to restructure federal rail governance
In our platform for reauthorization, under our core principle of Invest in the Rest, we propose building a world-class passenger rail network. One of the five specific policies we recommend is to restructure the roles and responsibilities of the federal entities that govern passenger rail. To build a world-class rail network, we need a coordinated system working toward a clear goal—one with clear authority, transparency, and accountability. This proposal includes four specific policy changes:
- Amtrak should be responsible for the operations of every federally funded long-distance route and for operating the Northeast Corridor. It would work with state rail commissions on planning, identifying funding needs and priorities, and conducting outreach to communities.
- Amtrak and new service providers should be responsible for the state-supported routes, as well as managing stations and marketing passenger rail routes.
- The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) should oversee national planning for passenger rail infrastructure, network connectivity, and safety standards. FRA would set standards for stations and maintain a registry of station features and conditions. The agency would also facilitate information sharing between freight and passenger rail providers and enforce regulation and oversight of both sectors.
- The Surface Transportation Board’s (STB) authority should include initiating independent proceedings, expediting cases with additional funding, and ensuring access to data for decision-making. Congress must ensure the STB has the funding and authority to move actions expeditiously and in compliance with legal deadlines.
Read more: https://t4america.org/2025/07/23/getting-americas-passenger-rail-back-on-track-requires-a-radically-different-approach/
Note: Texas Rail Advocates is a member organization of Transportation For America
