Our Goals
The Rail Passengers Association focuses on four core objectives:
- Improve and expand conventional intercity passenger train service — Add frequency, restore cut routes, and improve on-time performance across the national network.
- Support the startup of high speed rail — Advocate for at least one true high speed rail line to demonstrate the technology's viability in the American market.
- Increase connectivity among all forms of transportation — Push for better integration between Amtrak, commuter rail, transit, buses, airports, and bike/pedestrian networks.
- Ensure safety for trains and passengers — Fight for full implementation of Positive Train Control and other safety improvements.
Vision: The Grid and Gateway Plan
The Rail Passengers Association contends that the existing Amtrak network is dramatically underdeveloped relative to the demand that exists for passenger rail.
Our Grid and Gateway plan envisions a national passenger rail system comparable in scope to the Interstate Highway System — extending meaningful service to all major metropolitan areas and many smaller communities that currently lack Amtrak access.
Key Elements
- At least two daily round trips on every route in the network — research shows adding frequency grows revenue faster than costs
- Route miles doubled from approximately 22,000 to 45,000 — matching the Interstate's 47,000-mile footprint
- New corridors connecting currently unserved or underserved communities
- Restored routes bringing back service lost to budget cuts over the past four decades
The Case for Frequency
A 2006 Harris poll found that 79% of adults would like to see an increased share of transportation using intercity or commuter rail. Communities with limited transportation options spend significantly more of their household budgets on transportation costs.
Adding a second daily round trip to an existing corridor can increase revenue by 25–40% while adding only a fraction of that in additional operating costs — because the fixed costs (infrastructure, crew training, management overhead) are already in place.
Endorsements
The Grid and Gateway Vision has been endorsed by state rail advocacy organizations and civic groups across the United States. Join us in pushing for a rail network America deserves.