Railroads have been a vital presence in American transportation for nearly 200 years moving both passengers and freight efficiently and effectively. Freight railroads in the United States are mostly owned by private companies, who maintain and operate their own networks. Passenger systems, whether through Amtrak or various commuter railroads, require public assistance and either operate on their own track or pay to use freight railroad-owned track.

Section-by-Section Summary of S. 808, the Senate STB Reauthorization Bill, As Reported

Senate Committee OK’s Freight Rail Regulation; PTC Deadline Extension Bills

CBO Says GROW AMERICA Grows Much More Slowly Than USDOT Says

Supreme Court Rules Amtrak Is A Governmental, Not Private, Entity

McConnell Substitute Changes EPW, Commerce Bill Provisions

Supreme Court Examines Diesel Fuel Tax Discrimination Against Railroads

Lessons Learned From the Utah Transit Authority System Expansion

House Hearing Examines Transportation of Oil by Rail

Senate Hearing Addresses Port Infrastructure Needs, Freight Network

Bipartisan Amtrak Bill Introduced In House

Senate Deciding Whether To Take Up Highway Bill
Safer Railroading: A Guide Toward Targeted Safety Policy

Railroads are among the safest modes of transportation for workers, riders, and the public. Strong federal standards for railroad track and operations, technological investments like positive train control, and communities’ infrastructure improvements have yielded significant gains. But most of these gains have plateaued and in some cases safety trends are moving in the wrong direction. A new strategy and framework is needed to address the most significant safety issues facing railroads. This report explores trends in railroad safety data and actionable recommendations for federal, state, local, and private sector actors to make a demonstrable improvement in railroad safety.
