Current Actions

  • U.S. House Proposes Harmful Transportation Bill H.R. 7
    "Don't own a car?! Don't want to pay high gas prices? Too bad!"
     
    That's essentially the message the U.S. House is sending with its latest surface transportation and infrastructure reauthorization bill, called The American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act {H.R. 7}.

    H.R. 7 makes a shocking attack on public transportation by proposing to eliminate the gaurantee for dedicated funding for public transit. This would significantly damage our public mass transit systems, leaving millions of riders already faced with service cuts and fare increases out in the cold.

    H.R. 7 represents one of the most dramatic and retrograde transportation policy shifts in decades, designed to benefit highways and auto transportation, and nothing more. Here are just a few things the bill does:

    Eliminates dedicated funding for public transportation.

    Slashes Amtrak funding by 25%.

    Prevents any federal funding from going toward the California High Speed Rail project, specifically.

    Bars any funds from bus and bus facilities grants from going to any transit system that also operated any kind of rail line. This includes the Chicago Transit Authority, and transit agencies in New York, San Francisco and other cities.

    Eliminates funding for programs such as Safe Routes to School, sidewalks, or cycling infrastructure, making streets more dangerous and roads less safe for children and others on foot or bike.

    Expands domestic energy production to fund any gaps in highway spending. It will do little for decreasing the American reliance on foreign oil.

    Read this article for a more detailed summary: http://www.thetransportpolitic.com/2012/02/06/time-to-fight/
     
    These new policies would dramatically impact high-speed rail development in the United States. H.R. 7 represents a clear disinvestment from rail as a transportation alternative. Moreover, the Midwest High Speed Rail Association has always felt that transit and high-speed rail are two inextricably linked policy issues. Both are part of an integrated network that would provide multimodal options to all intercity travelers.

     
    Call your representative TODAY and urge them to oppose H.R. 7! Click here for some additional talking points.
     
    Just enter your zip code below to look up their information.
     
    After you call your representative, send them an email.
     
    We've already made an email template that you can use, or you can choose to personalize it.
     

  • U.S. House Leadership Wants to Eliminate Transit Funding
    "Don't own a car?! Don't want to pay high gas prices? Too bad!"
     
    Leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives has made a shocking attack on public transportation by proposing to eliminate the gaurantee for dedicated funding for public transportation. This would significantly damage our public mass transit systems, leaving millions of riders already faced with service cuts and fare increases out in the cold.
     
    It would impact high-speed rail too. The Midwest High Speed Rail Association has always felt that transit and high-speed rail are two inextricably linked policy issues. Both are part of an integrated network that would provide multimodal options to all intercity travelers. Without successful transit systems, we can't have a successful high-speed rail program.
     
    Finally, this bill would undermine three decades of bipartisan investments in public transit - originating under President Ronald Reagan. Funding for mass transit would no longer be guaranteed year-to-year and there would be no long-term stability for public transportation.
     
    Email your representative today and tell them this will not stand! Just enter your zip code below. We've already made an email template that you can use, or choose to personalize.
     
    Also visit our Blog and Newsfeed at MidwestHSR.org to learn more about about this unacceptable transit proposal.
  • Email Your Representative & Governor Brown

    To learn more about what's going on in California, visit our California HSR Resources page.

    Make High Speed Rail in California Happen NOW!!:
     
    The California High Speed Rail project will transform the way Californian's travel and connect to their cities, while enhancing the economic competitiveness of the state.
     
    Imagine traveling from Los Angeles to San Francisco in 2 1/2 hours without ever leaving the ground. No more security inspections, long waits at the airport, or dealing with congested highways. When fully completed, express trains will race from L.A. to the Bay in 2 ½ hours. Other trains will make local stops along the way.
     
    Opponents of high-speed rail in California are trying to get the state legislature to cancel or postpone the project. The U.S. needs leaders who believe in a growing, prosperous American future—and are willing to invest accordingly!  Let you representative know you support high-speed rail in California for the sake of the state's future economic competitiveness and growing travel needs.
     
    Ask them to support the project!
     
     
    California Governor Jerry Brown has been a strong supporter of the California High Speed Rail project. Tirelessly, he has fought for the project's success and defended it as an essential transportation alternative for California's growing population and increasing mobility needs.
     
    Governor Brown understands the importance of enhanced passenger and high-speed rail for his state. He understands how increased connectivity and population mobility will enhance the California economy. He understands that energy and land resources are limited and we can't keep building more highways and runways. And he knows that the future of high-speed rail in the United States depends on the success of the project in California. He gets it.
     
    Also join us in thanking Governor Brown for all that he has done for the project. Help us encourage him to see the project through to a successful completion.

     

    To email your Cailfornia representative and Governor Brown, just enter your zip code below. We've already provided letter templates that you can send, but feel free to personalize them.

  • Thank You! Now One More Step...

    Will you take just a few minutes to email Governor Brown in California to thank him for supporting high-speed rail and to tell him you want to ride high-speed rail in his state?

    To learn more about what's going on in California, visit our California HSR Resources page.

    California Governor Jerry Brown has been a strong supporter of the California High Speed Rail project. Tirelessly, he has fought for the project's success and defended it as an essential transportation alternative for California's growing population and increasing mobility needs.

    Governor Brown understands the importance of enhanced passenger and high-speed rail for his state. He understands how increased connectivity and population mobility will enhance the California economy. He understands that energy and land resources are limited and we can't keep building more highways and runways. And he knows that the future of high-speed rail in the United States depends on the success of the project in California. He gets it.

    Join us in thanking Governor Brown for all that he has done for the project. Help us encourage him to see the project through to a successful completion.

    To email Governor Brown, just enter your zip code below. We've already provided a letter template that you can send, but feel free to personalize it.

  • The National Proposal

    Goal: 

    A network of high-performance trains connecting at least 80 percent of Americans within 25 years.


    Click on map to enlarge.
     

    Tiers of Service

    Core Express:  25% to 30% of the network would be electrified trains operating at 125 mph to 250 mph on track dedicated to passenger trains serving roughly 60% of the population.

    Regional: 50% of the network would be electrified or diesel trains operating at 90 mph to 125 mph on a mix of dedicated tracks and tracks shared freight trains.

    Emerging: 20% to 25% of the network would served by trains traveling up to 90 mph on track shared by freight trains.

    President Obama has requested $8 billion be appropriated in 2012 for the High-Speed and Intercity Passenger Rail Program.  Half would be spent on high-speed rail and system expansion.  Half would be spent on modernizing the existing Amtrak service.

    The minimum acceptable appropriation is $2.5 billion for high-speed rail and $2.25 billion to maintain existing Amtrak service.


    Click on map to enlarge.
     
     
    Take Action
     
    There is an ongoing debate in Congress concerning the future of transportation in the United States - a debate that will determine whether we choose to invest in a world-class transportation system, or continue down our current path, which serves no one's best interest.
     
    Since its inception, the High-Speed and Intercity Passenger Rail program has seen 39 states apply for funds, resulting in the creation of thousands of jobs. Unfortunately, just as passenger rail projects are generating economic growth across the country, these successful programs are under attack. We need your help to protect these important investments in America's future.
     
    The U.S. is at an economic crossroads in which it is vital to address our long-term stability, while spurring short-term economic growth. This requires a set of responsible national priorities that do two things – create jobs and bolster economic growth. A high-speed rail network that connects our regional economies, our businesses and our workers is a national priority that is worth fighting for. Good transportation is a human and economic need, not something to be turned into a political issue.
     
    We need your help to send a message to Washington that Americans need and want a stronger national passenger rail system. Please send a message to your elected officials and ask them to support funding for Amtrak modernization and the HSIPR program.
     
    Input your zip-code below to get your elected officials' contact information, give them a call, and then send a follow-up email.

  • Time to Think Big about Union Station

    Chicago Union Station plays a critical role in connecting the Chicago Metropolitan Area and the Midwest economy.

    It is overcrowded and cannot handle the coming growth.

    The City of Chicago is developing a master plan to expand and modernize the facility.

    Please encourage Mayor Emmanuel to think big as the City develops its plans.

    Here is a sample letter that you can send to Mayor Emanuel. You can send it as-is, but it would be best if you personalized it with your own experiences traveling through Union Station.  Your message will be particularly valuable if you live outside Chicago and have traveled to, or through, Chicago by train.

    We will deliver the letters directly to Mayor Emmanuel. Copies will also be sent to other key leaders in the city.

  • Take Action in Support of High Speed Rail
    There is an ongoing debate in Congress concerning the future of transportation in the United States - a debate that will determine whether we choose to invest in a world-class transportation system, or continue down our current path, which serves no one's best interest.
     
    Since its inception, the High-Speed and Intercity Passenger Rail program has seen 39 states apply for funds, resulting in the creation of thousands of jobs. Unfortunately, just as passenger rail projects are generating economic growth across the country, these successful programs are under attack. We need your help to protect these important investments in America's future.
     
    The U.S. is at an economic crossroads in which it is vital to address our long-term stability, while spurring short-term economic growth. This requires a set of responsible national priorities that do two things – create jobs and bolster economic growth. A high-speed rail network that connects our regional economies, our businesses and our workers is a national priority that is worth fighting for. Good transportation is a human and economic need, not something to be turned into a political issue.
     
    We need your help to send a message to Washington that Americans need and want a stronger national passenger rail system. Please send a message to your elected officials and ask them to support funding for Amtrak modernization and the HSIPR program.
     
    Input your zip-code below to get your elected officials' contact information, give them a call, and then send a follow-up email.
  • Help Protect High Speed and Intercity Passenger Rail Funding!!
    There is an ongoing debate in Congress concerning the future of transportation in the United States - a debate that will determine whether we choose to invest in a world-class transportation system, or continue down our current path, which serves no one's best interest.
     
    Since its inception, the High-Speed and Intercity Passenger Rail program has seen 39 states apply for funds, resulting in the creation of thousands of jobs. Unfortunately, just as passenger rail projects are generating economic growth across the country, these successful programs are under attack. We need your help to protect these important investments in America's future.
     
    The U.S. is at an economic crossroads in which it is vital to address our long-term stability, while spurring short-term economic growth. This requires a set of responsible national priorities that do two things – create jobs and bolster economic growth. A high-speed rail network that connects our regional economies, our businesses and our workers is a national priority that is worth fighting for. Good transportation is a human and economic need, not something to be turned into a political issue.
     
    We need your help to send a message to Washington that Americans need and want a stronger national passenger rail system. Please send a message to your elected officials and ask them to support funding for Amtrak modernization and the HSIPR program.
     
    Input your zip-code below to get your elected officials' contact information, give them a call, and then send a follow-up email.
  • Show Your Support for Chicago - Quad Cities - Iowa City Amtrak Service

    Earlier this year, Iowa and Illinois were awarded $230 million by the Federal Railroad Administration to establish Amtrak service along the Chicago - Quad Cities - Iowa City route. In order to move forward, both states need to provide matching funds.

    While Illinois Governor Quinn has invested money in this route, Iowa Governor Branstad has not identified a match. 

    Budget negotiations in the Iowa General Assembly are reaching an end, and money has yet to be allocated for the Chicago - Quad Cities - Iowa City passenger rail route. We want to make sure Iowa legislative leaders are going to provide their part of the funding for the Amtrak service.  

    Go here to read more about the Chicago - Iowa route: http://midwesthsr.org/projects-iowa-nebraska

    Will you email your public officials and ask them to support passenger trains in Iowa?

  • Urge Your Representative and Senator to Join the Congressional Bicameral High Speed and Intercity Passenger Rail Caucus

    The Congressional Bicameral High Speed and Intercity Passenger Rail Caucus has announced its innagural meeting to be held THIS Wednesday May 25th.

    It is important that the Midwest Congressional Delegation Join the Caucus! Please urge your legislators to join!

  • Ask your elected officals to Stand Up For Trains!


    Despite record ridership and federal investments, passenger trains are at risk.

    Just as our country has begun investing in fast trains, short-sighted politicians have vowed to stop the projects in their tracks.

    We need more and better trains to make our economy stronger, connect our cities and regions together and reduce our reliance on foreign oil. Fast and frequent trains are a critical part of keeping America an attractive place to live and locate a business.

    Please send your elected leaders a message.  Ask them to stand up in favor of better, faster and more frequent trains.

  • Ask Your Leaders to Build High-Speed Trains

    High-speed trains are the single best investment that the Upper Midwest can make in its economic future.  This game-changing technology will transform far-flung cities into a virtual metropolis, better positioned to compete in the global marketplace.

    It is the only project that can strengthen critical connections in the economy while reducing energy consumption and creating jobs.

    Please ask your elected officials to:

    1) Immediately begin designing a 220-mph bullet train network linking major cities in the Midwest.

    2) Double service and increase speeds on all Amtrak routes in the Midwest.  These trains link over 200 Midwest communities and will serve as an intermediate step as bullet trains are being developed.

  • Tell your leaders to support fast trains!

    It is time for fast trains in Indiana!

    Fast and freqent trains are a critical part of keeping Indiana and other Midwestern states attractive places to live and locate a business. Please tell your elected leaders that you believe in fast passenger trains for Indiana.

  • Tell your leaders to support fast trains!

    Michigan's passenger trains are at risk.

    Fast and freqent trains are a critical part of keeping Michigan and other Midwestern states attractive places to live and locate a business. Please tell your elected leaders that you believe in fast passenger trains for Michigan.

  • Tell your leaders to support fast trains!

    Minnesota's passenger trains are at risk.

    Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker rejected over $800 million in Recovery Act funds to extend the Chicago - Milwaukee Amtrak service to Madison, the first link of the proposed Chicago - Madison - St. Paul service. The funds were distributed to other states in the U.S., primarily California and Florida. Service was expected to begin by 2013, with an initial 6 round-trips per day.

    Fast and freqent trains are a critical part of keeping Minnesota and other Midwestern states attractive places to live and locate a business.

    Please tell your elected leaders that you believe in fast passenger trains for Minnesota.

  • Tell your leaders to support fast trains!

    Iowa's passenger trains are at risk.

    Governor Terry Branstad has pledged to do a full analysis and a detailed review of a federally funded project to operate Amtrak trains to the Quad Cities and Iowa City from Chicago. Even though Branstad opposes using direct appropriations from general state revenues for the operating expenses of the new “Green Line” service, which is expected to begin operation in 2015, he has given the Iowa DOT an opportunity to save the project. The governor is giving the DOT until the end of the current legislative session to provide alternative sources of funding.This session is scheduled to conclude at the end of April 2011.

    Fast and freqent trains are a critical part of keeping Iowa and other Midwestern states attractive places to live and locate a business.

    Starting with Governor Chet Culver, Iowa has shown outstanding leadership on promoting passenger trains. This leadership needs to continue. Please tell your elected leaders that you believe in fast passenger trains for Iowa.

  • Tell your leaders to support fast trains!

    Ohio's passenger trains are at risk.

    Ohio Gov. John Kasich rejected $400 million in ARRA funds to launch passenger service on the 256-mile 3C corridor linking Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus and Cleveland. The funds were distributed to other U.S. states, primarily California and Florida.

    Fast and freqent trains are a critical part of keeping Ohio and other Midwestern states attractive places to live and locate a business.

    Please tell your elected leaders that you believe in fast passenger trains for Ohio.

  • Tell your leaders to support fast trains!

    Wisconsin's passenger trains are at risk.

    Governor Scott Walker rejected over $800 million in Recovery Act funds to extend the Chicago - Milwaukee Amtrak service to Madison. The funds were distributed to other states in the U.S., primarily California and Florida. Service was expected to begin by 2013, with an initial 6 round-trips per day.

    Fast and freqent trains are a critical part of keeping Wisconsin and other Midwestern states attractive places to live and locate a business.

    Starting with Governor Tommy Thompson, Wisconsin has shown outstanding leadership on promoting and investing in passenger trains. This leadership needs to continue. Please tell your elected leaders that you believe in fast passenger trains for Wisconsin.