Rail Passengers Association
@railpassengers.org
We are the oldest & largest national advocacy non-profit serving as a voice for the more than 40 million rail passengers in the U.S.
https://railpassengers.org/biolink
https://railpassengers.org/biolink
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Putting together the "who's who" of the advocacy world. If you know of a state/regional account that we should add, let us know! Let's make our voice heard together!
From all of us at Rail Passengers.
November 27, 2025 at 7:57 PM
From all of us at Rail Passengers.
While not a passenger rail issue, we have seen a number of stories where freight trains/tracks have cut entire neighborhoods off from public services - the RAIL Act hopes to solve at least one of them.
Why the RAIL Act Matters for America’s Digital Future
The RAIL Act aims to stop railroad companies from blocking broadband expansion with excessive fees and permit delays.
broadbandbreakfast.com
November 25, 2025 at 6:59 PM
While not a passenger rail issue, we have seen a number of stories where freight trains/tracks have cut entire neighborhoods off from public services - the RAIL Act hopes to solve at least one of them.
15 years after former WI Gov. Scott Walker killed a plan to return passenger rail to downtown Madison by refusing federal money for a high-speed line between MKE and the state's capital, the city's transpo officials have a station site in mind
Madison planners want to place an Amtrak station downtown. Here's why.
Efforts to restore passenger trains are ramping back up 15 years after Scott Walker turned down funding to reconnect Madison with Milwaukee by rail.
captimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 1:00 PM
15 years after former WI Gov. Scott Walker killed a plan to return passenger rail to downtown Madison by refusing federal money for a high-speed line between MKE and the state's capital, the city's transpo officials have a station site in mind
ICYMI: Amtrak released a detailed infographic on Friday that highlights what went into their record-breaking FY25.
media.amtrak.com/202...
media.amtrak.com/202...
November 25, 2025 at 12:28 AM
ICYMI: Amtrak released a detailed infographic on Friday that highlights what went into their record-breaking FY25.
media.amtrak.com/202...
media.amtrak.com/202...
In a holiday week edition of "Where in the World is Jim Mathews?" - our President & CEO is in Prague to give the keynote address, and to receive an award, at the global Rail Interiors Show. His presentation is on what passengers say they want, and what they can expect to get.
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November 24, 2025 at 9:30 PM
In a holiday week edition of "Where in the World is Jim Mathews?" - our President & CEO is in Prague to give the keynote address, and to receive an award, at the global Rail Interiors Show. His presentation is on what passengers say they want, and what they can expect to get.
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NJTransit is adding much needed capacity for what is sure to be a VERY busy holiday week.
NJ Transit will have extra bus, rail service over Thanksgiving weekend
The extra service will accommodate those going to Newark Liberty airport, attending the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and shopping on Black Friday
www.northjersey.com
November 24, 2025 at 4:21 PM
NJTransit is adding much needed capacity for what is sure to be a VERY busy holiday week.
From a story we covered a couple of days ago.
Former Rail Passengers Intern Josh Hirschfeld was on the first ever revenue service run of the Reseau Express Metropolitan (REM) from Brossard to Deux-Montanges.
Check out the trip here:
Former Rail Passengers Intern Josh Hirschfeld was on the first ever revenue service run of the Reseau Express Metropolitan (REM) from Brossard to Deux-Montanges.
Check out the trip here:
I Was the FIRST Passenger on Montreal's New Train Line!
Join me on the first ever revenue service of the Reseau Express Metropolitan (REM) from Brossard to Deux-Montanges! This was a lot of fun to take part in despite the insanely early hour, and I hope the excitement from the opening comes across in this short video highlighting it all.
Enjoyed watchin
www.youtube.com
November 22, 2025 at 6:26 PM
From a story we covered a couple of days ago.
Former Rail Passengers Intern Josh Hirschfeld was on the first ever revenue service run of the Reseau Express Metropolitan (REM) from Brossard to Deux-Montanges.
Check out the trip here:
Former Rail Passengers Intern Josh Hirschfeld was on the first ever revenue service run of the Reseau Express Metropolitan (REM) from Brossard to Deux-Montanges.
Check out the trip here:
Brightline is piloting AI-powered LiDAR on two of their trains using Sotereon.AI’s Overwatch platform - which creates real-time “digital twins” of its Florida corridor aimed at improving rail inspection, safety, and maintenance with continuous monitoring.
Brightline, Sotereon AI to launch LiDAR tech on Florida passenger trains
Brightline and Sotereon.AI have entered into a partnership to implement LiDAR technology on two of the former’s locomotives
www.railway-technology.com
November 22, 2025 at 3:19 PM
Brightline is piloting AI-powered LiDAR on two of their trains using Sotereon.AI’s Overwatch platform - which creates real-time “digital twins” of its Florida corridor aimed at improving rail inspection, safety, and maintenance with continuous monitoring.
Happy #HotlineFriday! Short & sweet for the pre-holiday week. We talk about the bargain that Amtrak coach tickets are, we continue with our volunteer program, close to wrapping up the Council election process, and news from around the country.
www.railpassengers.o...
www.railpassengers.o...
November 21, 2025 at 8:30 PM
Happy #HotlineFriday! Short & sweet for the pre-holiday week. We talk about the bargain that Amtrak coach tickets are, we continue with our volunteer program, close to wrapping up the Council election process, and news from around the country.
www.railpassengers.o...
www.railpassengers.o...
Charley Babb, opinion writer and Miami (OH) Univ. sophomore, asks the aged old question - what good is having a passenger rail stop if the service just isn't enough?
The upcoming Oxford Amtrak station is good, but we can do better
"The main issue is with the Cardinal Line itself. From low ridership, low speed and even lower frequency, it’s only just about better than no rail access. Barely."
www.miamistudent.net
November 21, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Charley Babb, opinion writer and Miami (OH) Univ. sophomore, asks the aged old question - what good is having a passenger rail stop if the service just isn't enough?
News from our friends to the north. Montreal's Réseau Express Métropolitain officially opened their fully automated 33 km (20.5 miles) extension with 14 new stations from downtown to Deux-Montagnes
Montreal REM Segment 2 Launches
The second segment of the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) officially opened to the public on Nov. 17. Delivered by La Caisse and its wholly owned subsidiary CDPQ Infra, the segment extends the
www.railwayage.com
November 20, 2025 at 10:26 PM
News from our friends to the north. Montreal's Réseau Express Métropolitain officially opened their fully automated 33 km (20.5 miles) extension with 14 new stations from downtown to Deux-Montagnes
Local officials are mulling over assisting the current owners of the 120-year-old "Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad Depot" apply for a $4.7M FRA grant to fund renovation efforts.
Grand Junction considers federal grant application for train depot renovation
City council reviews $4.7 million federal funding opportunity for historic Grand Junction Union Depot project.
www.kkco11news.com
November 20, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Local officials are mulling over assisting the current owners of the 120-year-old "Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad Depot" apply for a $4.7M FRA grant to fund renovation efforts.
Officials from both the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) have backed a non-binding funding and regional coordination plan.
Plan for dedicated Metro funding wins support from key D.C. region leaders | FFXnow
A plan to upgrade Metro's service and long-term sustainability by establishing dedicated funding for the transit system won backing Monday afternoon (Nov. 17) from two key panels. The boards of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) each formally endorsed the funding plan laid out in late October
www.ffxnow.com
November 20, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Officials from both the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) have backed a non-binding funding and regional coordination plan.
The Association was proud to have been invited to last week's ribbon cutting of the largest project opening to date for the CREATE Program's 75th Street Corridor Improvement Project.
(Check our IG reels for a video from the event)
(Check our IG reels for a video from the event)
Transportation leaders celebrate completion of $380 million South Side rail project
Officials say the completed rail flyover will reduce freight and passenger train conflicts and improve reliability along one of the country’s busiest freight corridors.
chicago.suntimes.com
November 19, 2025 at 9:57 PM
The Association was proud to have been invited to last week's ribbon cutting of the largest project opening to date for the CREATE Program's 75th Street Corridor Improvement Project.
(Check our IG reels for a video from the event)
(Check our IG reels for a video from the event)
The site has been identified by city officials as the potential new home of a transportation hub.
Four vacant Galesburg buildings across from Amtrak face wrecking ball
Galesburg City Council votes tonight on $129,340 contract to demolish four vacant, deteriorating buildings at 224-240 S. Seminary St. across from Amtrak. Site may become future transit center.
www.wgil.com
November 19, 2025 at 4:32 PM
The site has been identified by city officials as the potential new home of a transportation hub.
The Bay Area has some hardcore public transit fans - and the love is mutual. Former RailNation speaker Alfred Twu is featured in this piece on the "quirky" side of fandom.
BART and Muni stans share their stories
Through merch, meetups, and Muni races, fanatics show their love for riding the rails.
sfstandard.com
November 19, 2025 at 2:04 PM
The Bay Area has some hardcore public transit fans - and the love is mutual. Former RailNation speaker Alfred Twu is featured in this piece on the "quirky" side of fandom.
Are you a current Association member? Consider joining our volunteer leadership and make a direct impact on our fight for more trains, to more places, for more people.
Deadline to submit is Midnight Eastern on Dec. 1st.
For more information: railpassengers.org/a...
Deadline to submit is Midnight Eastern on Dec. 1st.
For more information: railpassengers.org/a...
November 18, 2025 at 11:20 PM
Are you a current Association member? Consider joining our volunteer leadership and make a direct impact on our fight for more trains, to more places, for more people.
Deadline to submit is Midnight Eastern on Dec. 1st.
For more information: railpassengers.org/a...
Deadline to submit is Midnight Eastern on Dec. 1st.
For more information: railpassengers.org/a...
SEPTA’s TWU Local 234 (bus, trolley, subway, and mechanic workers) has authorized a strike, pushing for better sick pay and a two‑year contract after being without an agreement since Nov 7 - raising the threat of shutdowns if talks falter.
SEPTA workers vote to authorize strike, raising possibility of major transit disruptions
The union representing about 5,000 bus, subway and trolley operators and mechanics voted to authorize a strike if contract negotiations with SEPTA break down.
www.cbsnews.com
November 18, 2025 at 9:07 PM
SEPTA’s TWU Local 234 (bus, trolley, subway, and mechanic workers) has authorized a strike, pushing for better sick pay and a two‑year contract after being without an agreement since Nov 7 - raising the threat of shutdowns if talks falter.
VPRA, Amtrak, and VRE officials broke ground on the Arlington/Alexandria fourth track and bridge rebuild - part of Virginia’s Transforming Rail initiative. The project will support 13 daily Amtrak VA roundtrips & expanded VRE service.
VPRA and partners break ground on series of passenger rail projects
In partnership with the city of Alexandria, Amtrak, VRE and CSX, the projects support the Transforming Rail in Virginia initiative by separating passenger and freight trains....
www.masstransitmag.com
November 18, 2025 at 6:27 PM
VPRA, Amtrak, and VRE officials broke ground on the Arlington/Alexandria fourth track and bridge rebuild - part of Virginia’s Transforming Rail initiative. The project will support 13 daily Amtrak VA roundtrips & expanded VRE service.
MTA CEO Janno Lieber writes this AMNY op-ed on the effect the opening of Grand Central Madison, numerous station upgrades, the CityTicket discount program, among others has had on the accessibility & affordability for commuter rail riders in NYC
Op-Ed | MTA’s commuter rail upgrades put faster, cheaper city travel on track | amNewYork
MTA’s commuter railroads – Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North – are sometimes overlooked by folks living within the five boroughs, and I can see why. In
www.amny.com
November 18, 2025 at 1:15 PM
MTA CEO Janno Lieber writes this AMNY op-ed on the effect the opening of Grand Central Madison, numerous station upgrades, the CityTicket discount program, among others has had on the accessibility & affordability for commuter rail riders in NYC
SEPTA has completed the federally ordered point-by-point inspection of their Silverliner IV fleet and is now installing thermal protection circuits to prevent overheating ahead of the Dec 5th deadline.
SEPTA finishes inspecting Silverliner IV railcars; workers now installing thermal protection circuits
All 223 railcars have been inspected, but over 150 need to be outfitted with thermal protection circuits, a safety measure.
www.cbsnews.com
November 18, 2025 at 1:45 AM
SEPTA has completed the federally ordered point-by-point inspection of their Silverliner IV fleet and is now installing thermal protection circuits to prevent overheating ahead of the Dec 5th deadline.
A bit of news you might have heard by now…
Amtrak sets ridership record in 2025 as capacity constraints continue: Analysis - Trains
WASHINGTON — Amtrak ridership grew 5% in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2025, and revenue surged 11%, as robust Northeast Regional gains offset fewer Acela frequencies on the Northeast Corridor. The railroad carried nearly 34.5 million passengers, while ticket revenue was $2.764 billion.
The results from the company’s monthly performance reports for 2025 are now posted on the Amtrak website.
www.trains.com
November 17, 2025 at 10:24 PM
A bit of news you might have heard by now…
We have some new fall items available in our fundraising store just in time for the holiday season. Help us continue the fight for more trains, to more people, to more places - and look good doing it.
Shop now: railpassengers.org/s...
Shop now: railpassengers.org/s...
November 15, 2025 at 8:10 PM
We have some new fall items available in our fundraising store just in time for the holiday season. Help us continue the fight for more trains, to more people, to more places - and look good doing it.
Shop now: railpassengers.org/s...
Shop now: railpassengers.org/s...
With $425M in funding secured, part of Illinois' transformative Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act, community leaders in the Quad Cities continue to push for support of a Chicago to Moline train that has been years in the making.
quadcitiesbusiness.c...
quadcitiesbusiness.c...
November 15, 2025 at 5:31 PM
With $425M in funding secured, part of Illinois' transformative Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act, community leaders in the Quad Cities continue to push for support of a Chicago to Moline train that has been years in the making.
quadcitiesbusiness.c...
quadcitiesbusiness.c...
The Association joins in on comments to the STB on the proposed UP/NS merger, the Boss goes live on the air in Ohio, a wrap up of some newsworthy transit updates from around the US, and we kick off a new volunteer program. #HotlineFriday
See you onboard: www.railpassengers.o...
See you onboard: www.railpassengers.o...
November 14, 2025 at 9:30 PM
The Association joins in on comments to the STB on the proposed UP/NS merger, the Boss goes live on the air in Ohio, a wrap up of some newsworthy transit updates from around the US, and we kick off a new volunteer program. #HotlineFriday
See you onboard: www.railpassengers.o...
See you onboard: www.railpassengers.o...