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!
New year, same goals. What are your train/transportation #resolutions for 2026?
January 14, 2026 at 11:45 PM
New year, same goals. What are your train/transportation #resolutions for 2026?
Backed by a $27M federal grant to return service pre-pandemic levels, proposed Metrolink service to Santa Barbara has been replaced by an expanded Pacific Surfliner plan.
Santa Barbara Metrolink proposal scrapped; Pacific Surfliner to provide new train service instead - Santa Barbara News Press
A series of delays stemming from prolonged Metrolink contract discussions forced The Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo Rail Corridor Agency, LOSSAN, to pull the plug.
www.newspress.com
January 14, 2026 at 9:10 PM
Backed by a $27M federal grant to return service pre-pandemic levels, proposed Metrolink service to Santa Barbara has been replaced by an expanded Pacific Surfliner plan.
January 14, 2026 at 7:05 PM
Passenger rail expansion could be coming to the Mitten. By using existing state-owned tracks, the North-South rail project aims to get cars off the road and boost local economies from Detroit to Petoskey.
Public feedback is now open! For more:
Public feedback is now open! For more:
Michigan north-south passenger rail line project seeking public feedback
Groundwork, the non-profit behind the north-south rail project, recently released a public input survey in order to help them hammer out the details of what this project could look like for Michiganders.
radio.wcmu.org
January 14, 2026 at 4:30 PM
Passenger rail expansion could be coming to the Mitten. By using existing state-owned tracks, the North-South rail project aims to get cars off the road and boost local economies from Detroit to Petoskey.
Public feedback is now open! For more:
Public feedback is now open! For more:
Despite a record-breaking surge in Florida ridership and revenue, a looming interest payment on Thursday has investors watching the company’s "cash crunch" closely.
Brightline cash crunch deepens despite Florida gains
Brightline cash crunch fears are growing even as the company reports stronger ridership and revenue in Florida, as outlined in a Trains.com analysis. Investors,
www.railway.supply
January 14, 2026 at 12:42 AM
Despite a record-breaking surge in Florida ridership and revenue, a looming interest payment on Thursday has investors watching the company’s "cash crunch" closely.
A sobering look at rail safety: a new analysis from the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism at the University of Maryland reveals that despite 3,000+ accidents over the last decade, many federal safety recommendations remain unimplemented
For more:
For more:
Rail regulators accused of ignoring safety after shocking number of accidents
There have been 23 deaths and nearly 1,200 injuries over the past decade
www.independent.co.uk
January 13, 2026 at 9:57 PM
A sobering look at rail safety: a new analysis from the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism at the University of Maryland reveals that despite 3,000+ accidents over the last decade, many federal safety recommendations remain unimplemented
For more:
For more:
LIRR rail unions have formally requested a second Presidential Emergency Board (the first being last Sept), extending the no-strike period by another 120 days, potentially into mid‑May, while wage negotiations continue.
Rail unions to request 2nd Presidential Emergency Board that would further delay possible LIRR strike
A second 120-day delay would be initiated if another PEB is appointed — potentially stretching the deadline into mid-May.
connecticut.news12.com
January 13, 2026 at 1:19 PM
LIRR rail unions have formally requested a second Presidential Emergency Board (the first being last Sept), extending the no-strike period by another 120 days, potentially into mid‑May, while wage negotiations continue.
Late last month, the MTBA issued an RFP for the operation and maintenance of its commuter rail system (the 5th largest in the country). One of the three bids includes a partnership between Alstom and Keolis, who has been running the lines since 2014.
MBTA shortlists three potential commuter rail operators
The T in late December issued a request for proposals to three collectives of transit operators that could take over the operation and maintenance of the sprawling rail system. Keolis Commuter Services has done so since 2014 and is working through June 30, 2027 on an extended contract.
www.wbur.org
January 13, 2026 at 12:56 AM
Late last month, the MTBA issued an RFP for the operation and maintenance of its commuter rail system (the 5th largest in the country). One of the three bids includes a partnership between Alstom and Keolis, who has been running the lines since 2014.
Thanks to the equipment shortage caused by a mandatory federal inspection order of more than half SEPTA Regional Rail fleet, express trains have been operating as all-stop service. That finally ended this morning.
SEPTA resumes morning express service on Regional Rail after months of federally mandated delays
SEPTA says all morning express service will resume on Monday, Jan. 12 as the transit agency puts more Silverliner IV railcars back on the tracks following Federal Railroad Administration-mandated inspections.
For video licensing inquiries, contact: [email protected]
www.youtube.com
January 12, 2026 at 10:42 PM
Thanks to the equipment shortage caused by a mandatory federal inspection order of more than half SEPTA Regional Rail fleet, express trains have been operating as all-stop service. That finally ended this morning.
ICYMI: After House Republicans have proposed zeroing out the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail grant program, Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) and a number of colleagues have jumped to its defense.
[2026-01-09] Murphy, 13 Senators Call On Appropriations Leadership To...
WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, led 13 of his Democratic Senate colleagues in...
www.murphy.senate.gov
January 12, 2026 at 8:33 PM
ICYMI: After House Republicans have proposed zeroing out the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail grant program, Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) and a number of colleagues have jumped to its defense.
January 10, 2026 at 10:09 PM
Like Jordan in March of 95, we are back! Got news on the Amtrak OIG report that was released in the dying embers of 2025, and we announce the inaugural volunteer staff class. Plus all the news items you love and adore. #HotlineFriday
For more: www.railpassengers.o...
For more: www.railpassengers.o...
January 9, 2026 at 11:12 PM
Like Jordan in March of 95, we are back! Got news on the Amtrak OIG report that was released in the dying embers of 2025, and we announce the inaugural volunteer staff class. Plus all the news items you love and adore. #HotlineFriday
For more: www.railpassengers.o...
For more: www.railpassengers.o...
After the very public clash with the Trump Administration, is seeing strong interest in the form of private sector opportunities (right-of-way for fiber-optic corridors, for example) to keep things moving.
California high-speed rail project pivots toward public-private partnership | Smart Cities Dive
Abandoning funding from the federal government, the California High-Speed Rail Authority said it sees strong interest from the private sector.
www.smartcitiesdive.com
January 9, 2026 at 5:53 PM
After the very public clash with the Trump Administration, is seeing strong interest in the form of private sector opportunities (right-of-way for fiber-optic corridors, for example) to keep things moving.
Panthers fan heading to the game against the Rams this weekend? Take the train.
What to know if you're taking the Amtrak to Charlotte for the Panthers playoff game
The Panthers will face the Los Angeles Rams at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday.
www.wfmynews2.com
January 9, 2026 at 3:09 PM
Panthers fan heading to the game against the Rams this weekend? Take the train.
As Rail Passengers President & CEO has said many, MANY times (and something staff repeats any time we are on the road) - it's not that the train makes money, it's who the train makes money for.
www.wkrg.com/mardi-g....
www.wkrg.com/mardi-g....
Mardi Gras expected to bring in $300 million to Mobile | WKRG.com
MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — The good times will be rolling in Mobile, but the times are especially good for business owners. “The money is good,” restaurant owner Frankie Little laughed. Mard…
www.wkrg.com
January 9, 2026 at 12:48 AM
As Rail Passengers President & CEO has said many, MANY times (and something staff repeats any time we are on the road) - it's not that the train makes money, it's who the train makes money for.
www.wkrg.com/mardi-g....
www.wkrg.com/mardi-g....
The 113-year-old Joseph F. Leitner designed station, last fixed up in the late 90s, will begin a $6M renovation project led by local architect Jerel McCants.
Tampa’s historic Union Station to undergo $6 million renovation
Tampa’s 113-year-old train station is getting a facelift. Union Station is set to begin a six-million-dollar renovation this year.
www.wmnf.org
January 8, 2026 at 10:46 PM
The 113-year-old Joseph F. Leitner designed station, last fixed up in the late 90s, will begin a $6M renovation project led by local architect Jerel McCants.
Thanks to a new "streamlined settlement negotiation process", the FRA has collected over $15M in civil penalties based on the Code of Federal Regulations for identified safety issues.
FRA collects $15.4 million in penalties from Class I railroads under new process - Trains
WASHINGTON — The Federal Railroad Administration announced it has collected $15.4 million in civil penalties from Class I railroads under what it calls a new streamlined settlement negotiation process.
The process involves discussions on the most significant cases while continuing to collect data to improve railroad safety, the FRA says. Class I railroads and Amtrak may receive a civil penalty when
www.trains.com
January 8, 2026 at 2:24 PM
Thanks to a new "streamlined settlement negotiation process", the FRA has collected over $15M in civil penalties based on the Code of Federal Regulations for identified safety issues.
Houstonia Magazine Editor-in-chief Brittany Britto Garley rode the Sunset Limited from Houston to Alpine, sharing stories with fellow passengers along the way and welcoming the opportunity to "watch Texas unfurl from a window seat."
I Took the Sunset Limited Train Across Texas—Here's What to Know
No Wi-Fi. No rush. Just endless views.
www.houstoniamag.com
January 7, 2026 at 2:34 PM
Houstonia Magazine Editor-in-chief Brittany Britto Garley rode the Sunset Limited from Houston to Alpine, sharing stories with fellow passengers along the way and welcoming the opportunity to "watch Texas unfurl from a window seat."
"America's Favorite Train" turns 25 this year and is celebrating with a month-long sale on one-way & roundtrip tickets.
Amtrak Downeaster celebrates milestone with January sale
Amtrak is offering passenger lower rates this month.
www.wabi.tv
January 6, 2026 at 11:55 PM
"America's Favorite Train" turns 25 this year and is celebrating with a month-long sale on one-way & roundtrip tickets.
While there are those who want to see the rails torn up for a "trails only" project and more time for public input, state officials are hoping to expand the Commonwealth's passenger rail network with the Shenandoah Valley corridor.
Virginia leaders to vote on plan to transform old railroad tracks in Shenandoah Valley | FOX 5 DC
A key vote is coming up on Tuesday that could transform old railroad tracks in the Shenandoah Valley, but which direction it will go in is still up in the air.
www.fox5dc.com
January 6, 2026 at 9:49 PM
While there are those who want to see the rails torn up for a "trails only" project and more time for public input, state officials are hoping to expand the Commonwealth's passenger rail network with the Shenandoah Valley corridor.
Miss us? Have any good train/travel stories from the holidays, or any news item we might have missed while we are gone that you want us to highlight? Drop them all in the comments.
January 5, 2026 at 4:07 PM
Miss us? Have any good train/travel stories from the holidays, or any news item we might have missed while we are gone that you want us to highlight? Drop them all in the comments.
Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday filled with love, laughter, and on-time trains!
December 25, 2025 at 9:31 PM
Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday filled with love, laughter, and on-time trains!
Rail Passengers President + CEO Jim Mathews looks back at a successful year for passenger rail while keeping an eye on the advocacy fights to come.
Rail Passengers - End of Year Message from President & CEO Jim Mathews
Rail Passengers President + CEO Jim Mathews looks back at a successful year for passenger rail while keeping an eye on the advocacy fights to come.
Make An End-of-Year Gift Now: https://www.railpassengers.org/eoy25
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www.youtube.com
December 21, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Rail Passengers President + CEO Jim Mathews looks back at a successful year for passenger rail while keeping an eye on the advocacy fights to come.
I’m Just A Bill ends with our little bill about school buses stopping at grade crossings, still lounging on the Capitol steps, getting the long-awaited news from the congressman who originally wrote him:
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December 20, 2025 at 4:41 PM
I’m Just A Bill ends with our little bill about school buses stopping at grade crossings, still lounging on the Capitol steps, getting the long-awaited news from the congressman who originally wrote him:
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Hotline Junction, what's your function? Hooking up stories and videos and opinions. (It will make sense, trust us). We have a ton of news on the UP/NS merger, an end-of-year video from Jim, and something about bills...
See you onboard: www.railpassengers.o...
See you onboard: www.railpassengers.o...
December 19, 2025 at 9:28 PM
Hotline Junction, what's your function? Hooking up stories and videos and opinions. (It will make sense, trust us). We have a ton of news on the UP/NS merger, an end-of-year video from Jim, and something about bills...
See you onboard: www.railpassengers.o...
See you onboard: www.railpassengers.o...