Feds authorize additional rail funding: opportunity to get money for local transit projects
Posted: 10-17-2008 : RALEIGH, N.C.

Raleigh, NC – President Bush signed legislation today that will strengthen the nation’s intercity passenger rail network to accommodate record ridership and make possible new routes. The Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act, which was supported by wide bipartisan majorities in the House and Senate, authorizes close to $13 billion over five years to promote rail travel, relieve bottlenecks and begin investment in a new generation of high speed rail.

“As families struggle to pay high energy bills and look for affordable alternatives, this federal commitment to public transportation lays tracks for much needed relief,” said Ashley Chase, Public Interest Advocate for NC Public Interest Research Group. “Compared to other states and other countries, we have a lot of ground to make up for us to have access to affordable, efficient rail transportation.”

The legislation includes funding for rail infrastructure repairs, and investment in improved efficiency. It also establishes a competitive state grant process for high-speed corridors with matching grants of up to 80 percent.

Historically underfunded and seated second to highway spending, rail infrastructure struggled under the weight of growing ridership. New highway projects typically receive federal matching money equaling this 80 percent level of cost sharing, while public transportation projects have typically received, at best, a 50 percent match. This year, Amtrak posted double-digit growth, making it the fifth straight record year. It carried over 28.7 million passengers. In North Carolina, the Carolinian’s ridership increased by 15.3%. Similarly, Charlotte’s LYNX system supported record ridership. Within the first quarter of 2008, weekday ridership had doubled first-year projections and even surpassed the 2025 projections. Significantly, total vehicle miles traveled for cars and trucks also fell for the first time since the oil crisis of the 1970s.

“North Carolina needs to invest in the trends of the future, and that means more and faster rail travel. Anyone who has been to a gas station or airport lately can see that,” said Chase.

The authorization passed in conjunction with new safety regulations that will require more rest for rail workers and new braking technology to avoid collisions.

The bill passed by overwhelming majorities in both the House and Senate. In the House, the vote was 377 to 38. In the Senate, the 74 to 24 margin was also more than enough to overcome a presidential veto if the President had refused to sign the legislation.

For ridership statistics on individual routes, see http://www.amtrak.com/pdf/FY08RidershipRevenue.pdf

About North Carolina Public Interest Research Group: NCPIRG is a state-wide nonpartisan, nonprofit research and advocacy group dedicated to consumer rights, public health, and good government. Visit our website at www.ncpirg.org