Some good news. Now, let's make it better.

Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Congress is rejecting the president's attempt to kill our national rail passenger network. That's very good news. Our elected representatives, from both sides of the aisle, recognize the importance of the rail services in their community -- what the National Association of Railroad Passengers calls "My Town, My Train."

But NARP knows that saving the existing network is not enough. America needs to fix the hundred-year backlog of underinvestment, fill the holes in today's skeletal system, and add service in places that haven't seen a train in years. That will take funding, equipment and determination.

What should be the priorities? One of NARP's goals is to "Put 80% of Americans within 25 miles of a rail station by 2035." To make that happen, we'll need massive support, not only in DC, and also in state legislatures, city councils, and community groups around the nation. We know it can be done: witness the enormous support we've seen for restoration of Gulf Coast service, the daily Cardinal, and the Colorado ski train.

But to meet this goal, we need a long-term, large commitment to a passenger rail vision. One wonders sometimes whether anyone in Washington, DC, these days has the ability to pursue such a vision, but if the baby boomers have failed, the next generations will succeed.

NARP members should read the group's Strategic Plan. And if you're skeptical that it can be made to happen, well, that's understandable--but with your help, and the help of younger people, we can make "A Connected America" happen.

This fall, NARP will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a large event called RailNation Chicago. Please join us, and bring your friends and family--we can begin to build a rail future for the next generation.

--CH