WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — Massachusetts Democratic Sen. Ed Markey wants to make trains faster, safer and more reliable, saying it’s “an opportunity to fundamentally reshape the way our society travels.”
He is pushing his All Aboard Act bill, which includes $200 billion over five years to build high-speed rail, expand existing passenger service and electrify the most polluted stations and corridors.
The legislation includes essential health and safety measures for the existing union workforce and creates a rail training grant program for rail workers.
“They (trains) free us from the safety risk of driving, the danger of traffic jams and the long lines and waiting times on the asphalt,” Markey said.
Supporters of the law say it would put the U.S. on a similar path to countries in Europe and Asia that already have high-speed rail systems.
“So if we want to have a big, bold future rail system in our country, we have to invest,” Markey said.
The All Aboard Act would create a novel Green Railway Fund that would provide $50 billion over five years to electrify heavily polluted stations, support high-capacity electric passenger rail projects, and electrify existing, most heavily freight, rail stations corridors frequented by passenger trains.
Saul Levin of the Green New Deal Network says he supports the bill because it contains measures to protect the climate.
“We protect environmental justice and communities and ensure the safety of the people who don’t even ride the rails but live next to them,” Levin said.
Congressman Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.) says the trail derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, impacted his district nearly two years ago. He believes this bill would prevent other communities from suffering the same devastation.
“We know we can’t trust the big railroads to regulate themselves. We need action from Congress to protect communities like mine that live near the tracks,” Deluzio said.
The bill currently has only Democratic support. Markey says he’s working to get Republicans on board.
