Releases
NARP Releases, Statements & Letters
An archive of press releases, Congressional statements, letters to officials, and written testimony.
Railroad Passengers Present Golden Spike Award to Joseph Szabo
Release #15-06
April 21, 2015
For Immediate Release (15-06) Contact: Ms. Benet J. Wilson April 21, 2015 443-838-7033Railroad Passengers Present Golden Spike Award To Joseph SzaboWashington, D.C.--The National Association of Railroad Passengers (NARP) presented its Golden Spike Award to Joseph Szabo today at its annual Capitol Hill reception. Szabo, who served as Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) administrator from May 2009 to November 2014, is a fifth-generation railroader who was the first crewman and first union member
Supreme Court Decision Victory for America's Train Passengers
Release #15-04
March 9, 2015
In a victory for passengers, the Supreme Court vacated a lower court decision, reinstating metrics and standards for Amtrak service that will protect the rights of train passengers. In doing so, the court agreed with the “Friend of the Court” brief filed by the National Association of Railroad Passengers and the Environmental Policy & Law Center in U.S. Department of Transportation vs. the Association of American Railroads.
U.S. House Overwhelmingly Defeats Amtrak-Killing Amendment
Release #15-03
March 4, 2015
For Immediate Release (#15-03) March 4, 2015 Contact: Sean Jeans-Gail - 202-408-8362 U.S. House Overwhelmingly Defeats Amtrak-Killing Amendment Washington, D.C.—The National Association of Railroad Passengers applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for its overwhelming defeat of an Amtrak-killing amendment to the Passenger Rail Reform and Investment Act (H.R. 749). The amendment to eliminate all authorized Amtrak funding, introduced by Rep. Tom McClintock (R-CA), failed by a vote of 147-2
NARP Statement on House T&I Markup of PRRIA 2015
Release #15-02
February 12, 2015
For Immediate Release (#15-02) February 12, 2015 Contact: Sean Jeans-Gail - 202-408-8362 NARP Statement on House T&I Markup of PRRIA 2015 Washington, D.C.--Statement of Jim Mathews, President & CEO of the National Association of Railroad Passengers, in response to today’s House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure mark-up of the Passenger Rail Reform & Investment Act of 2015 (H.R. 749). “NARP and its 28,000 members appreciate the time and work the Committee has d
Statement on Senate Commerce Surface Transportation Subcommittee Hearing on Improving Transportation Network
Mathews to Senate Transportation Subcommittee
February 12, 2015
Statement of Jim Mathews President & CEO National Association of Railroad Passengers * * * Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security The Honorable Deb Fischer, Chair The Honorable Cory Booker, Ranking Member ***U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation * * * Hearing on Improving the Performance of our Transportation Networks: Stakeholder Perspectives * * * January 29, 2015 Submitted February 12, 2015* * *
House Rail Legislation Includes Reforms, Raises Key Questions
Release #15-01
February 5, 2015
For Immediate Release (#15-01) February 5, 2015 Contact: Sean Jeans-Gail, NARP – 202-408-8362 House Rail Legislation Includes Reforms, Raises Key Questions Washington, D.C.—Upon review of the Passenger Rail Reform and Investment Act of 2015 (PRRIA 2015) introduced by the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, the National Association of Railroad Passengers (NARP) finds many commonsense reforms but remains concerned that there are serious questions that are not addressed: �
Statement of Jim Mathews to Senate Commerce Committee on Rail Reauthorization
Mathews to Senate Commerce Committee
December 10, 2014
Statement of Jim Mathews President & CEO National Association of Railroad Passengers * * *Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and SecurityThe Honorable Richard Blumenthal, ChairmanThe Honorable John Thune, Ranking MemberU.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation* * *Hearing on the Future of Passenger Rail in the U.S.* * *December 10, 2014* * * Thank you for your consideration of my testimony on behalf of the National Associ
Case "Will Determine the Future of Passenger Rail in the U.S.”
Release #14-18
December 8, 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (#14-18) December 8, 2014 Contact: Sean Jeans-Gail, NARP – 202-408-8362 Case "Will Determine the Future of Passenger Rail in the U.S. Supreme Justices Hear Arguments in Association of American Railroads v. U.S. Department of Transportation Washington, D.C. – The Supreme Court heard oral arguments today in the Association of American Railroads v. U.S. Department of Transportation, a case that has snarled passenger train movements across the national rail network. The
Texas Students Call for High-Speed Rail
Release #14-17
November 20, 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (#14-17) November 19, 2014 Contact: Sean Jeans-Gail, NARP – 202-408-8362 Texas Students Call for High-Speed Rail Student Government Associations Highlight Economic Importance of Passenger Trains for Future of Texas Economy Encouraged by the National Association of Railroad Passenger’s campaign to recruit the next generation of transportation leaders, student government associations at Sam Houston State University and the University of North Texas issued resolutions
FY14 Train Ridership Records Highlight Infrastructure, Funding Gaps
Release #14-16
October 29, 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (#14-16) October 29, 2014 Contact: Sean Jeans-Gail, NARP – 202-408-8362 FY14 Train Ridership Records Highlight Infrastructure, Funding Gaps Amtrak’s record-breaking Fiscal Year 2014 ridership and revenue figures made public yesterday should be a wake-up call for federal and local policymakers to provide predictable, dedicated public investment in passenger rail and to address Midwestern train delays that are hurting passengers and Amtrak’s financial footing. The N