Big Changes in Texas and New York This week, US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced major shifts in direction for two important projects. As advocates for quality trains, we need to speak up for the changes we want to see. On Tuesday, Sec. Duffy announced...
Newsletter 3/21/25: Amtrak CEO Out
Amtrak CEO Forced Out
This week, Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner abruptly resigned from his position, saying it was “to ensure that Amtrak continues to enjoy the full faith and confidence of this administration.”
Read More:
The Amtrak Chief Executive Abruptly Resigned From the Rail Service (NY Times)
Amtrak CEO Departs Amid Threats of a Transit Funding Pullback(Bloomberg)
Big Change is Certain. The Outcome Depends on What We Do Now.
The recent news that the White House pressured Amtrak’s CEO to resign is another indicator that things are moving quickly, big changes are underway, and it is vital for us to make our voices heard. So a quick update on the status of federal railway policy and funding is in order.
Please help by contacting your representatives. And please get your friends involved as well. This is an all-hands-on-deck moment. We need to apply pressure—and ask for meetings—at both the state and federal levels. In-person dialogue is the most powerful tool we have.
Integrated Railway Bills Are Under Consideration in Illinois Now
Two exciting bills are under consideration now in the Illinois General Assembly that could dramatically expand and improve train service in our state. One would fund a growing and dynamic state railway program. The second would provide for initial design and engineering for high-speed and regional rail.
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Why Nothing Works: Who Killed Progress—And How to Bring It Back
When: Friday, April 4 at 12pm CT on Zoom
Speaker: Author, Marc Dunkelman
America built the world’s greatest rail network, along with a vast electrical grid, interstate highways, abundant housing, the Social Security system, the Tennessee Valley Authority, and more. But today, even while facing pressing challenges that include dilapidated infrastructure and a climate crisis, progress is difficult. In this talk, you’ll hear from Marc Dunkelman, author of the new book Why Nothing Works: Who Killed Progress—And How to Bring It Back. He argues that both conservatives and progressives have played a role in creating gridlock that stifles progress, and that we can get past it.
What's the Latest on Federal Funding?
When: Friday, May 16 at 11am CT / 12pm ET on Zoom
Speaker: Beth Osborne, Director of Transportation for America and Rick Harnish, High Speed Rail Alliance Executive Director
The first months of Donald Trump’s return to the White House have brought sweeping changes to federal transportation priorities and funding, plus ongoing questions and concerns. A power struggle over federal funding has put investment in limbo for new and improved trains and transit from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Inflation Reduction Act, and other measures.
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