Rail Passengers Assoc. Criticizes Trump Budget for Rail Funding Cuts

April 3, 2026

Contact: Joe Aiello ([email protected])

Rail Passengers Association Raises Alarms Over Proposed Budget Cuts to Transit and Rail Systems

Washington, DC — The Rail Passengers Association has voiced serious concerns regarding the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Proposal from the Trump Administration, which prioritizes defense spending with consequential cuts to public transit and intercity rail services. The budget introduces $26.6 billion for the U.S. Department of Transportation, marking a $1.6 billion increase from the previous fiscal year, yet most of this funding favors highway and aviation sectors.

Jim Mathews, President & CEO of the Rail Passengers Association, commented on the situation: “At a time of record highs for gas prices and airfare, the Trump Administration is proposing cuts to the intercity rail and transit programs that have been helping Americans stay connected to work, to school, and to family.” He emphasized that these reductions undermine the nation’s goals for affordability, mobility, and safety.

Significant Changes in Rail and Transit Funding

The proposed budget reveals significant financial adjustments for rail and transit:

• Amtrak will face a cut down to $2.1 billion from $2.427 billion, a 13.5% decrease:

  • Amtrak National Network funding decreases to $1.45 billion from $1.577 billion
  • Amtrak Northeast Corridor sees a reduction to $650 million from $850 million

• The Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail (FSP) Program funding is completely cut, reduced from $65 million.
• Funding for Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) almost doubles to $300 million from $137 million.
• The Capital Investment Grants (CIG) program is nearly halved to $1.25 billion from $2.45 billion.

Impending Financial Challenges

Additional challenges loom as the expiration of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’s appropriations at the end of FY2026 will further deepen funding reductions:

• Amtrak National Network: decreases from $4.8 billion to $1.45 billion
• Amtrak NEC: drops from $2.0 billion to $600 million
• High-Speed Rail Grants: falls from $900 million to $0
• Federal-State Partnership (total): reduces from $3.8 billion to $1.4 billion

“These reductions represent a dramatic step backward just as states and regions are delivering new service, modernizing aging infrastructure, and responding to unprecedented demand for rail,” Mathews stated, underlining the impacts of scaling back support for key grant programs.

Rail Funding Overview

Call to Action

The Rail Passengers Association is rallying Congress to prevent these budget cuts and to secure funding necessary for efficient and accessible transportation networks nationwide. "Congress has repeatedly recognized the value of passenger rail to economic growth, safety, and energy independence," Mathews stated. He urges lawmakers to uphold their bipartisan support for transportation initiatives.

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About the Rail Passengers Association: Boasting 127,000 members, donors, and advocates, this non-profit is the most extensive national entity representing over 40 million rail users in the U.S. Its mission focuses on enhancing intercity and regional train services, advancing high-speed rail projects, and fostering connectivity among diverse transit forms, all aimed at boosting community safety and productivity.