The passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has launched a new era for America’s rail passengers. The Investment in Infrastructure and Jobs Act (IIJA) establishes several important new passenger rail programs and, for the first time, provides ambitious, multi-year federal funding for the upgrade and expansion of the national intercity passenger rail network.

There will be challenges in implementing the BIL’s rail title, as well as restoring passenger rail service to pre-pandemic levels. Importantly, the funding that the BIL provides to Amtrak is reserved for specific uses, so achieving that restoration will require robust annual funding for the railroad's Northeast Corridor and the National Network accounts as part of the appropriations process. 

The Rail Passengers Association is asking for your help to encourage Congress to provide effective oversight of new and expanded passenger rail programs and ensure that appropriators fully fund rail programs at the authorized levels established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.