Pennsylvania Representative Chris Deluzio and Massachusetts Senator Edward Markey have introduced the All Aboard Act, proposing a $200 billion investment in national railway infrastructure over the next five years. The bill aims to enhance high-speed rail capabilities, expand and improve existing rail tracks, and focus on electrification, safety, and labor protections, including comprehensive rail worker training programs.
Deluzio, a Democrat representing Pennsylvania’s 17th congressional district, emphasized the need for a rail system that ensures safety, efficiency, and economic benefits while reducing road traffic. He highlighted the strategic importance of this initiative following his re-election for a second term.
The funding allocation within the bill includes $80 billion dedicated to the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail, $30 billion each to the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure Safety Improvement program and Amtrak, and $10 billion for the Railroad Crossing Elimination program. These investments aim to bolster passenger services, with current Pennsylvania services including the Keystone and Pennsylvanian lines, facilitating connections across major cities and regions.
The Rail Passengers Association supports the bill, advocating for an expansion of the rail network from 22,000 to 45,000 miles, nearly mirroring the interstate highway system. The association and other supporters stress the importance of rail safety improvements, particularly in areas like Deluzio’s district, which includes parts of the Pittsburgh metropolitan area and borders Ohio.
Environmental sustainability is central to the bill’s objectives. Senator Markey and environmental groups backing the bill highlight the potential for significant pollution reduction through the electrification of rail networks and the modernization of railyards. The bill proposes $500 million in Clean Air Act grants and $50 million for an electrification fund to address pollution in railyards, which disproportionately affects lower-income and environmental justice communities.
The bill also seeks to engage labor unions, acknowledging the role of industries such as steel, which are vital to western Pennsylvania’s economy. Carl Rosen, general president of the United Electrical, Radio & Machine Workers of America, emphasized the necessity for railroads to invest in community betterment and the creation of quality union jobs.
