A major rail funding package aims to reshape passenger service and safety projects across the country. Amtrak is receiving dozens of new train sets, and communities in 23 states will get money for long-delayed upgrades, according to Smart Cities Dive.
Here's what to know
The Federal Railroad Administration's latest package totals $5.3 billion and reaches 41 safety-related projects, the outlet noted.
Within that package, $2.05 billion is earmarked for Amtrak to acquire 43 passenger train sets, and an additional $140 million will be used to repair 41 locomotives operating on Amtrak's Midwest and Pacific routes.
The National Railroad Partnership Program which the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act created, is paying out the grants. About $3.2 billion of the total is reserved for work like station upgrades, bridge replacement or repair, and improvements at highway-rail crossings, the outlet added.
FRA Administrator David Fink said the spending is aimed at making rail travel safer and more dependable.
"The projects we announced today will help make our nation's rail network much safer because now state [Departments of Transportation] across America will have the funds they need to eliminate dangerous grade crossings across the nation," Fink said in a statement, as Smart Cities Dive relayed.
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More background
The grants cover a range of projects that affect everyday travel and long-distance rail riders.
At Chicago's Canal Street Yard, up to $87 million would fund rehabilitation or replacement of about 17 aging viaducts, bridges and associated structures, targeting structural issues that affect rail operations and traveling people, the outlet said.
New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal is in line for up to $2.5 million for electrical, mechanical and platform improvements. Separately, Portland, Maine, could get up to $48.1 million to shift its Amtrak station to a location that avoids the current reverse move, which will likely trim about 15 minutes from trips.
The New Orleans work will also aid Amtrak's Mardi Gras route, which started running on August 18, 2025, and has surpassed expectations by carrying 150,000 passengers since then, according to NBC 15.
What's being done?
"Amtrak is investing in vital projects that will drive economic growth, create jobs, and improve and expand rail service for millions of Americans," Amtrak Interim President Byl Herrmann said in a press release.
With a bigger fleet and safety improvements throughout the country, the additional funding boosts the experience for riders. That is good news for the planet, as rail travel typically contributes less pollution per rider than air travel.
The FRA, for its part, says the funding is going where it will make the greatest impact.
"[We] collaborated with Amtrak over a two year period to determine how best to distribute these funds so passenger trains can run on time and freight isn't delayed," Fink noted in the statement, per Smart Cities Dive.
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