Public Rail

 
Other Rail Organizations

AMTRAK

We’ve issued a formal request for suppliers to bid on the new Long Distance fleet replacement contract. Interested car builders are now preparing their proposals for submission. Following an extensive evaluation, we plan to announce our selected supplier by the end of 2027. 

This once-in-a-generation fleet replacement program was developed in close coordination with the Federal Railroad Administration, with the goal of modernizing overnight and cross-country travel for a fleet that includes many cars today approaching nearly 50 years of operations.

The program calls for more than 800 new railcars across 14 routes.

Long Distance routes are a critical part of America’s national transportation system, linking major cities, smaller towns, and rural communities while supporting economic growth across regions.

Amtrak’s new and improved Long Distance fleet replacement strategy prioritizes fleet standardization, broadens competition among potential carbuilders, reduces program risk, and accelerates the replacement of aging passenger cars that today approach nearly half-a-century of service. Under this plan, all long-distance routes will transition to a universal single-level fleet, replacing today’s mix of bi-level and single-level equipment.

Procurement of new long-distance passenger cars represents one piece of Amtrak’s broader systemwide fleet modernization program. Amtrak continues to receive new high-powered ALC-42 locomotives for long-distance service, with 79 of 125 units delivered to date. New NextGen Acela trains launched last fall on America’s only high-speed rail corridor, and the new Airo fleet will begin service on Amtrak Cascades in 2026, followed by the Northeast Regional and other short- and mid-distance routes in the coming years.

For more information, including quotes from Congress, U.S. Deputy Transportation Secretary Steve Bradbury, and FRA Administrator Fink, read our previous announcement detailing Amtrak’s new and improved Long Distance fleet replacement strategy.

For More Information

Kyle Anderson
Media@Amtrak.com
Amtrak Contact
800 562.1904





Rail Users Network (RUN)

RUN is a 501 (c )(3) tax exempt organization which undertakes the following activities on behalf of rail passengers and transit rail users:
    • Encourages the development and use of customer-friendly rail passenger services that are affordable, efficient, and reliable.
    • Encourages expansion of existing service, as well as new starts to promote greater mobility and improve the economic vitality of regions.
    • Actively seeks the views of rail passengers, including those with special needs, and those potential passengers not yet served by rail.
    • Represents rail and rail transit passengers’ interests to the industry and to those who regulate or influence it.
    • Actively encourages rail and rail transit operators to become more accountable to their customers by including them in all levels of evaluation, decision-making, and planning.
    • Provides forums to exchange “best practice” for existing advocacy groups, and assists start-up groups in becoming legislatively mandated.
    • Encourages connectivity between all modes.

Dear Public Rail Now Supporters,

On September 20, people in towns and cities across the country came together for the Rally for Amtrak. From labor unions to environmental groups, speakers highlighted how passenger rail connects communities, supports good jobs, boosts local economies, and reduces emissions. Participants sent a clear message to Congress: fully fund and expand Amtrak, and reject privatization that would cut service, raise fares, and isolate rural America. If you haven't already, sign the petition today. 

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the organizations and community leaders who endorsed and hosted events for the Rally for Amtrak. Your support and solidarity made this nationwide effort possible. By standing together, we showed the strength of our shared commitment to expanding and defending passenger rail for the communities that depend on it.

Here are some pictures shared with us. For more images, visit this link.


“It is time to put an end to the profiteering, recklessness and irresponsibility of the Class One Carriers. Let railroad workers take the lead- a fresh beginning for a vibrant, expanding and innovative national rail industry to properly handle the nation’s freight and passengers in the 21st century.”

 https://publicrailnow.org/

New Report: "Putting America Back on Track"

s America grapples with the everlasting impacts of the derailment in East Palestine, OH., Public Rail Now and Railroad Workers United released their latest report entitled "Putting America Back on Track: The Case for a 21st Century Public Rail System." Authored by Thomas, a Stone Fellow from Brown University and recipient of the North American Rail Shippers Association scholarship, this report presents a compelling argument for transitioning the United States' rail system to public ownership. Drawing on historical precedent and rigorous analysis, it makes a compelling case for overseeing our rail infrastructure in the same manner as our interstate highways, inland waterways, and airports.

We are an alliance of individuals and groups that actively promote improving, expanding, and innovating rail transportation as an effective climate emergency response.

We engage in educational and promotional activities such as letter campaigns to Congress, legislatures, or other government agencies. We also endorse and support other groups that are active in fixing the climate emergency.

To join us and get on our mailing list, please send an email to admin@climaterailalliance.org. Tell us about your interest in rail transportation and ask to join our list. We welcome your participation.

Climate Rail Alliance is registered as of February 2, 2022, as a Washington State Non Profit Corporation.

Our Purpose is as follows:
“The purpose of Climate Rail Alliance is to promote expansion, improvement, and better utilization of US Rail networks as a climate solution. We advocate for projects that facilitate mode shift to passenger and freight rail quickly, respecting environmental and community concerns, and the urgency of our climate crisis.”

Salutionary Rail
Solutionary Rail’s new Reconnect America Podcast – watch the 4 minute teaser below:

© Copyright TracktotheFuture

16845 E. Avenue of the Fountains, Unit 325, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268, USA | 602-309-7670