In a letter sent to the heads of the House and Senate committees on appropriations, the Rail Passengers Association implored Congress to provide funding for intercity rail operators, commuter railroads and public transit agencies to offset steep revenue losses caused by the novel coronavirus disease COVID-19.
The letter called for $12.875 billion for public transit agencies, $1 billion in funding for Amtrak, and additional funding for railroad workers and private-sector rail operators.
“As Congress considers a financial aid package to help the airline industry respond to COVID-19, the Rail Passengers Association is asking that Congress also provide adequate funding to allow intercity rail operators, commuter railroads, and public transit agencies to offset their steep revenue losses,” wrote Jim Mathews, president and CEO of the Rail Passengers Association.
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