Happening Now
Rail Passengers Congratulates New FTA Administrator Molinaro
August 8, 2025
by Jim Mathews / President & CEO
Former New York congressman Marc Molinaro was confirmed by the Senate as the new Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration and we’re looking forward to working with him.
This Spring we offered an enthusiastic endorsement of Molinaro for the role, noting his consistent support for surface transportation and his clear understanding of how communities rely on transit and transportation – something he knows well from his time in local New York government.
Moreover, during his time in Congress Molinaro provided important leadership on passenger rail and transit issues that affected the services our members depend on, defending important public transportation services during critical budget votes. His experience as a county executive in New York State and Member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure will serve him well as our nation looks to address the many challenges facing U.S. transit systems and reassert our role as a global leader in safe and efficient transportation infrastructure.
The FTA Administrator will likely be charged with implementing the next Surface Transportation Authorization Act, currently in the preliminary phase of stakeholder outreach. Rail Passengers Association looks forward to working with Molinaro to ensure that rail and transit plays a central role moving Americans moving safely and efficiently and supporting a robust economy.
Congratulations, Marc!
"It is an honor to be recognized by the Rail Passengers Association for my efforts to strengthen and expand America’s passenger rail. Golden spikes were once used by railroads to mark the completion of important rail projects, so I am truly grateful to receive the Golden Spike Award as a way to mark the end of a career that I’ve spent fighting to invest in our country’s rail system. As Chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, it has been my priority to bolster funding for Amtrak, increase and expand routes, look to the future by supporting high-speed projects, and improve safety, culminating in $66 billion in new funding in the Bipartisan infrastructure Law."
Representative Peter DeFazio (OR-04)
March 30, 2022, on receiving the Association's Golden Spike Award for his years of dedication and commitment to passenger rail.
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