NARP applauds White House’s six year, $53 billion plan for HSIPR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (#11-04)
February 8, 2011

Contact: Sean Jeans-Gail – 202-408-8362 [cell: 202-320-2723]

Passengers applaud White House’s six year, $53 billion plan for high-speed and intercity passenger rail

The National Association of Railroad Passengers applauds the White House’s bold new proposal to put passenger trains on equal footing with highways and airports, and invest $53 billion over six years to continue the construction of a truly national high-speed and intercity passenger rail network—with $8 billion in fiscal year 2012.

The Obama Administration has talked of a “roadways, railways and runways” infrastructure initiative.  During today’s address by Vice-President Biden and U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, the Administration showed a willingness to back that rhetoric up with a concrete proposal.

“It is extremely heartening that the White House has the clarity of vision to propose this groundbreaking program in the face of recent narrowly-based attacks on high-speed rail in the U.S.” said NARP President Ross Capon.  “If we are to develop a modern transportation system that gives Americans the travel choices they need and cut our reliance on foreign oil, we need our leaders to show this steadfast determination to get the job done.”

Vice President Biden outlined three channels of development which will address needs in a wide range of communities, with varying levels of existing train service.  “Core Express” will develop electrified trains operating at 125-250 mph, running on tracks dedicated to passenger service.  “Regional” will develop 90-125 mph service, to make trains more trip-competitive and lay the groundwork for world-class high-speed rail in the future.  “Emerging” will develop reliable train service in regions that are underserved, increasing access to the larger national intercity passenger rail network.

The Administration also proposes streamlining the DOT’s passenger rail program by splitting funding into two pots, with $4 billion going towards “network development” (new equipment, stations and infrastructure) in FY 2012, and $4 billion going towards “system preservation” (maintaining a state of good repair, providing operating support to “crucial state corridors.”)

“As President Obama said in his State of the Union, there are key places where we cannot afford to sacrifice as a nation – one of which is infrastructure,” said Vice President Biden at the event, held in Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station.  “As a long time Amtrak rider and advocate, I understand the need to invest in a modern rail system that will help connect communities, reduce congestion and create quality, skilled manufacturing jobs that cannot be outsourced. This plan will help us to do that, while also increasing access to convenient high speed rail for more Americans.”

The Vice President spoke of three areas the U.S. must remain committed to even as the deficit is reduced—education, innovation, and infrastructure—emphasizing that other countries will leave us behind if we compromise in these areas.

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