Release #08-20—September 24, 2008
The following is a statement from National Association of Railroad Passengers (NARP) Executive Director Ross B. Capon:
“NARP is pleased that an agreement has been reached in conference committee to move forward both the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act (including Amtrak reauthorization and funding for state projects) and a rail safety package with a Positive Train Control mandate. House passage is expected today, after which the bill would go to the Senate. We urge Senators who have in the past held up this legislation to permit its swift consideration and passage.
“The legislation is timely in light of ever increasing demand for passenger train service and, sadly, the September 12 Metrolink tragedy in Chatworth, California. The Positive Train Control (PTC) provision will save lives and in improve railroad efficiency.”
About NARP
NARP is the largest citizen-based organization advocating for train and rail transit passengers. We have worked since 1967 to expand the quality and quantity of passenger train service in the U.S. Our mission is to work towards a modern, customer-focused national passenger train network that provides a travel choice Americans want. Our work is supported by over 24,000 individual members.