The Rail Passengers Association (RPA) called President Donald Trump’s infrastructure proposal disappointing and is encouraging its members to take action against the plan.
RPA objects most to the proposal to slash $757 million from Amtrak’s annual grant and making the states Amtrak serves make up the funds. Asking states to pay, however, is complicated because Amtrak serves markets that overlap.
“They know full well that asking states to absorb more costs is not feasible, and the default choice will be to drop service,” RPA President Jim Mathews said.
Cutting Amtrak funding would cause more than 220 rural communities to lose service.
These communities deserve a government that invests in them, Mathews said.
RPA also objects to the proposal to phase out first-class sleeping cars. It is less expensive to move passengers per mile in a sleeping car than in coach, and sleeping-car fares subsidize coach fares.
The White House also intends to cut funding for the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery program.
RPA urges its members and passengers to voice their displeasure with the infrastructure plan directly to the White House. RPA has created an online tool for this purpose.
RPA also will rally at train stations nationwide in support of national rail service.