AASHTO Wants FRA to Favor State Agencies in Passenger Rail Development Projects

A transportation trade group wants the Federal Railroad Administration to favor state transportation agencies rather than private entities in the development of new intercity rail corridor services.

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation officials said in a letter to the FRA that state departments of transportation and state-designated rail entities should serve as the primary partners in passenger rail expansion in the United States.

The AASHTO letter urged the FRA to work with state agencies in developing rail network plans, especially where Amtrak intends to operate a new corridor, and on the preparation of service development plans because of the expertise on the subject that state agencies have.

In order to streamline project development, AASHTO wants states to assume more federal responsibilities and the associated accountability.

Tags: American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, Amtrak, Federal Railroad Administration