Rail Passengers on Second Aid Package for Amtrak, Transit

For Immediate Release (20-13)

Contact: Sean Jeans-Gail (202) 320-2723; [email protected]

Rail Passengers Association Applauds Emergency Funding for Amtrak, Remains Committed to Working for Full Restoration of Service in 2021

Washington, DC—Statement from Rail Passengers Association President and CEO on the unveiling of a bipartisan coronavirus relief package that includes $1 billion in emergency funding for Amtrak and $14 billion for mass transit systems.

“On behalf of the 40 million Americans that depend on passenger trains, we’re pleased that the political logjam appears to have broken over the weekend and that emergency coronavirus aid for U.S. railroads and transit systems is finally on its way. We urge Congress to follow through on the final step and pass this bill into law. This funding will avert further job losses and cuts to essential transportation services, which would deal yet another blow to the U.S. economy.

“While this bill addresses the immediate needs of Amtrak and transit agencies, there is still work to be done to restore these systems to their pre-pandemic levels. We look forward to working with Congress and the incoming Biden Administration on additional legislation as soon as Congress returns to expand and grow rail service. With the widespread introduction of the vaccine around the corner, Americans are ready to get moving again; the federal government must take action to restore the nation’s transportation network to promote a full economic recovery.”

About Rail Passengers Association

The Rail Passengers Association is the oldest and largest national organization serving as a voice for the more than 40 million rail passengers in the U.S. Our mission is to improve and expand conventional intercity and regional passenger train services, support higher speed rail initiatives, increase connectivity among all forms of transportation and ensure safety for our country's trains and passengers. All of this makes communities safer, more accessible and more productive, improving the lives of everyone who lives, works and plays in towns all across America.

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