From safety to technology: Rail initiatives in infrastructure bill

Rail provisions win support from diverse stakeholders

A photograph of a train with tank cars crossing a rail crossing.

The newly signed infrastructure bill contains a number of rail-related initiatives. (Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves)

From positive train control to passenger rail, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act signed Monday by President Joe Biden covers a gamut of safety, capital improvement funding and technological initiatives aimed at bolstering freight rail. 

Rail-related provisions included in the $1.3 trillion bill, according to the Association of American Railroads, the Association of Short Line and Regional Railroads, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET), the Coalition for America’s Gateways & Trade Corridors and the National Transportation Safety Board:

Vince Varna, BLET vice president and national legislative representative, said of Amtrak’s funding: “In recent memory, Amtrak has received funding that would only allow it to subsist from continuing resolution to continuing resolution, constantly forced to operate under a cloud of economic uncertainty. The bipartisan infrastructure bill changes that. Amtrak will now have the revenue to operate and procure necessary equipment. The bill provides a more predictable funding provision that is good for business, good for the public and best of all for BLET, good for the members we represent on Amtrak.” 

Subscribe to FreightWaves’ e-newsletters and get the latest insights on freight right in your inbox.


Click here for more FreightWaves articles by Joanna Marsh.

Exit mobile version