Blog
Your daily source of fresh takes on news affecting America's passengers. See also the weekly NARP Hotline.
NARP on the scene for Infrastructure Week in Washington, D.C.
May 17, 2017
It’s Infrastructure Week in D.C., and transportation groups from all over the nation are turning a spotlight on infrastructure to educate and advocate for a simple message: it’s time to get to work on rebuilding America. Infrastructure Week is an opportunity to bring businesses, workers, elected leaders, and everyday citizens together to think about the best way to improve the rails, roads, bridges, ports, and airports that will ensure that America will be globally competitive, prosperous, a
Fallout from dismissal of FBI Director could grind Congressional action on infrastructure to a halt
May 10, 2017
Concerns over President Donald Trump’s dismissal of James Comey from his post as the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation has stalled congressional action on drafting an FY2018 budget, and could bode poorly for an infrastructure bill that has been promised by Trump’s White House. While concern over the firing has been vocalized by both parties, the Democrats have taken action. In procedural moves taken earlier today, Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) objected to Senate Maj
Amtrak, FAST Act Rail Programs, and Transit Receive Boost in Omnibus Budget Released Today
May 1, 2017
Congress released an omnibus agreement today that provides increased transportation funding for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2017, with $57.651 billion in total funding for transportation and housing programs—a $350 million increase above FY2016. The spending deal has already secured broad bipartisan support in the House and the Senate, and is a resounding rejection of the philosophy behind the extreme spending cuts outlined by the White House in its proposed FY 2018 budget. Make no mistake,
NARP's News from the Front Lines: Update on the Amtrak – VIA Connection at Detroit-Windsor
April 19, 2017
by Larry Krieg The Situation The busiest crossing point between the United States and Canada is between Detroit Michigan, and Windsor Ontario. But there is no direct connection for passenger rail travelers at this busy crossing, and since the 2003 discontinuation of The International (a joint VIA-Amtrak train between Chicago and Toronto) no passengers have crossed the Michigan-Ontario border by train. Short of taking a very expensive international taxi ride, the only option for crossing the s
Wall Street Journal's "Acela Pundits" attacked Amtrak, so we responded
April 13, 2017
The Wall Street Journal has added their two cents to the debate sparked by the recent troubles radiating from New York Penn Station, and it is a classic in the genre of “tone-deaf New York City editors ridiculing investment in small town America.” It’s a genre in which the Journal has, rightly, earned a reputation as an industry leader. Though not an innovator, since the editorial compliantly echoes the White House’s budget proposal’s attack on rail infrastructure, calling for an end
Can’t travel to NARP’s Day on the Hill? You can still help!
April 11, 2017
NARP is busy preparing for its annual Day on the Hill, where passengers from all over the country travel to Washington, D.C. to advocate for Amtrak, transit, and fast, frequent passenger rail service for all Americans.Even if you can’t travel to D.C., you can still help us in the fight for modern trains! Our advocates will be meeting with Representatives and Senators from ever part of the country. NARP will provide facts and figures to help explain why trains are a safe, efficient and clean
Beat the April 4th Deadline! Get Your Elected Official to Sign-On in Support of Trains
March 24, 2017
Following a terrible White House budget proposal, NARP asked all passengers to rally in support of trains—and you answered! That pressure has resulted in tangible benefits on Capitol Hill: Representatives Seth Moulton (D-MA), Elizabeth Esty (D-CT), and Louise Slaughter (D-NY) are spearheading a Member Submission to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation leadership—Chairman Mario Diaz-Balart and Ranking Member David Price—asking appropriators to provide full funding for Am
For Train Passengers in Search of a Congressional Vision on Infrastructure, Moulton, Esty, Slaughter Lead the Way
March 23, 2017
Representatives Seth Moulton (D-MA), Elizabeth Esty (D-CT), and Louise Slaughter (D-NY) are leading the fight to modernize and expand passenger rail in America, asking appropriators to make vital investments in rail essential for a 21st economy—a fight that has taken on more urgency in the face steep cuts outlined by the White House budget proposal. The three members of Congress wrote to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation—Chairman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) and Ranking Me
Trump Administration’s First Budget Calls for End to National Network Trains. Join NARP in Saying: NATIONAL OR NOTHING!
March 16, 2017
Every passenger must STAND UP for trains—there are no sidelines now!
Bring the Fight for A Connected America to Your Town
February 14, 2017
NARP’s staff and Council of Representatives are already preparing four our April 25th Day on the Hill, where advocates from all over the country fly in to represent America’s passengers at the highest level. With a new president and a new congress, it’s crucial that they hear from their constituents demanding investment in a modern, people-focused passenger rail system. We need you to join us in asking your elected officials to invest in better trains and transit—for A Connected America