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Feds Invest $2B to Improve Passenger Rail Travel

Under Secretary Duffy, the grant program’s revamped criteria will prioritize safety; the American family; and workforce development, job quality, and wealth creation, according to a press release.

April 21, 2026
A Metro-North Railroad train

The USDOT said the funding will support projects that reduce congestion, jumpstart ridership growth on passenger railroads, and more.

Credit:

Marc A. Hermann

1 min to read


  • The federal government is investing $2 billion to enhance passenger rail travel.
  • Under Secretary Duffy highlights a new focus on safety, supporting American families, and workforce development.
  • The grant program will prioritize job quality and wealth creation as part of its revamped criteria.

*Summarized by AI

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced a $2.04 billion investment into the modernization of America’s rail infrastructure that will support improving rail travel experiences for American families, as well as the transportation of goods with greater safety, efficiency, and reliability.

The Department will support projects that:

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“This Administration is focused on improving passenger rail to help American families connect to jobs, education, and medical appointments, as well as fast-tracking the movement of commerce,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “At USDOT, we are laser-focused on ushering in the Golden Age of American rail.”

The FRA’s CRISI Program

The Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program focuses on projects that modernize passenger and freight rail.

Since 2017, CRISI has invested nearly $6 billion in building safer rail infrastructure.

Under Secretary Duffy, the grant program’s revamped criteria will prioritize safety; the American family; and workforce development, job quality, and wealth creation, according to a press release.

Quick Answers

The Feds have invested $2 billion to improve passenger rail travel.

*Summarized by AI

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