Could this be the Future of Trains in America?

Introducing the All Aboard Act. In this time, more than ever, we need to look towards the future and make sure we have good railroads serving everyone.
Learn more about the All Aboard Act here: www.markey.sen...
Watch the full speech here: • Senator Markey Hosts P...
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[@Thom-TRA]

A lot of you haven’t watched until 11:10 and it shows 👀

[@ross4]

@@rgi9509 Doomerism isn't helpful. Even if you think the US is toast. Conservative countries have trains. Dictatorships have trains. Trains aren't going anywhere.

[@KilloreTroute]

@@rgi9509 The United States

[@AMPProf]

I wonder if You copy Trumps Theatrics An yell TRAINS TRAINS JOBS MERICA

[@babblingbrook4720]

Well, there's Japan and Korea with some pretty fantastic world-leading train systems and they're conservative, arguably even police states in terms of severity. That's probably the example in question. Of course, their brand of conservatism is a little different and tends to value public infrastructure (even if the railways are mainly private) a lot more than the US does... So honestly that isn't very relevant to the conversation I think. Otherwise I would say at least with western countries, yeah conservative typically means weaker train systems.

[@Thom-TRA]

@ I lived in Japan for 10 years and I’m not sure what you mean by it being a police state. There are some issues with the justice system but it’s not by any means a surveillance state that monitors what you say or where you go.

[@mgdbshorts]

I would bring back interurbans, even if it takes me an eternity.

[@Thom-TRA]

I will be right there with you

[@robertklose2140]

Yes, indeed. My home state of Maine used to have beautiful fast interurbans. They were torn up and we were told that if you want to get someplace - drive. What a loss.

[@DiamondKingStudios]

I’m from a Southern state that never had too many interurbans (GA), but I think they would serve many rural and suburban communities well until there is sufficient density for regular passenger equipment.

[@rikkichunn8856]

Well, here's a first step toward that. The South Shore Line, often described as "America's Last Interurban" is actually expanding. They are building a new branch line south from Hammond, IN to suburbs. I'm sure when it opens, Thom will ride it, and I can't wait to see!

[@leanderhartl9504]

Technically, every American light rail system from the second half of the 20th century is an interurban. Separate infrastructure in the suburbs, rendered inefficient by grade crossings and sharp curves, and in the cities they run in mixed traffic with cars. If we took the concept of interirbans and modernized it, you would either get an light rail metro like in Seattle or in Stuttgart or what RM Transit would call an Tram-Train like in Sheffield or Chemnitz.

[@himbourbanist]

Even if this bill doesn't pass, it's a really good sign that it's being talked about at all. American trains can be so much better and I hope in my lifetime I live to see a genuine High Speed Rail system in our great nation. Every American deserves to ride the train!

[@Thom-TRA]

Good point

[@Daniel-hj8el]

That is indeed in the right direction and even if it doesn’t pass from Trump, hopefully at least have Some parts from All aboard act pass since their people want or know that Trains are Awesome and better

[@genethebean7597]

Can't wait for the Train Go Fast Act in 2029

[@Thom-TRA]

Zoom zoom

[@DiamondKingStudios]

I know other laws have had the popular contracted name reused (multiple Civil Rights Acts and Authorization for Use of Military Force Acts), so perhaps it’s called the High-Speed Ground Transportation Act of 2029, hopefully with better success than in 1965.

[@AMPProf]

What if We Do a Make congress work act.

[@DiamondKingStudios]

@@AMPProf Good luck getting it through Congress itself

[@kurenian]

Sanic approves this message.

[@LibertyElevatorsYT]

I hope the law passes; we need it so much as a country. I've always wanted the Keystone Corridor to be upgraded from PGH to Philly and NYC and hopefully the Northeast Corridor gets upgraded too. I'm sure if Rep. Deluzio was put in charge of PRT here, it would get better.

[@DiamondKingStudios]

They’ve wanted the line to Pittsburgh to be upgraded since the 1930s; I have heard it said that the PRR would have done it if not for WWII and maintaining their good record of paying dividends to shareholders (without interruption until 1946). The 1970s would also have been a good time for mainline electrification.

[@LibertyElevatorsYT]

@@DiamondKingStudios It would have been for sure. PRR and other Railroads were unfortunately very hurt by the infamous automobile boom of the 50s. PGHs politicians don't have the best track record with good transit, in stead they only support stupid bus lanes for high-use corridors that could warrant a large-scale metro line.

[@DiamondKingStudios]

@LibertyElevatorsYT Better than in Atlanta; instead of a bus lane it would be an HOV lane around here.

[@LibertyElevatorsYT]

@@DiamondKingStudios I always feel like HOV lanes are a waste, I don't see anyne carpooling. Carpooling seems to just make it worse by making getting to work more inefficient, mass transit is a better solution in my opinion. We have HOVs here on I-279, I only see the diesel buses and families use them during the day.

[@ninyaninjabrifsanovichthes45]

Same with the MBTA's network. It's the ONLY commuter rail network in the Northeast that uses all diesel trains.

[@kacamac]

I admit I had that gut reaction about "yeah but..." so when you caught me and pointed out the possibility of hope... well it was nice. It's easy to feel doom and gloom, some hopeful positivity can go a long way and it's very appreciated. Makes me feel like yea... maybe just maybe this could actually happen.

[@Thom-TRA]

Trust me it was my first instinct too

[@jyutzler]

There is no hope, not under this administration. Sorry.

[@davinp]

When VRE built the station in Woodbridge, VA they eliminated a railroad crossing by building a bridge above the tracks for cars to go over

[@AMPProf]

YOU MEAN va Rail underpass.. Cars never what nooo

[@UncleAl3]

Great public service video Thom! I live in Long Beach Ca and have used the metro since day one of it's initial run, to go to work, for shopping and for touring. It has been a fabulous benefit. Every one deserves to have access to such a system. I will be writing to my representatives in D.C. for their support.

[@Thom-TRA]

Thank you!!

[@UncleSamFreedom]

3:22 I have not expected Alan there! I hope that Alan will make a video about this too

[@Thom-TRA]

He’s a great guy, it was awesome to get to know him

[@ristekostadinov2820]

Replacing old diesel locomotives with lightweight DMUs for example the double decker Stadler KISS (many states use double decker loco pulled) or single decker FLIRT while electrifying would be game changer. It will cut down travel time due to quick acceleration, they're more fuel efficient because they don't have lot of dead weight and the diesel generators can be removed once the line is electrified. The top speed of these units is pretty good, if the tack allows 120-125mph it can achieve it.

[@Thom-TRA]

Great ideas!

[@DCYote1]

Great video Thom, it's really cool that you got to be invited to this. It's also nice to see our politicians taking an active interest in improving the rail system in the US, on both sides of the aisle.

[@DiamondKingStudios]

It would be interesting to compare rural vs. urban support for passenger rail service, since despite them wanting the same thing, they may have considerably different reasons for or approaches to it.

[@mikecarrington4297]

Great video and a honor for you Thom! Passenger train stations need updating. The California Zephyr has stops that require 2 stops due to how short the platforms are. Showing how bad some of tracks are might help convince some to support this legislation

[@Thom-TRA]

I remember that! And yes, it was a great honor

[@sirremusrobinson1070]

What I'd do is separate passenger trains from freight trains.. Do that it'll be night n day difference.

[@Thom-TRA]

Good point

[@AMPProf]

How about we double all put pasanger deck Over the freight cars

[@ValhalQcoholic]

@@AMPProf I don't know if this would work but I love the picture it creates in my head.

[@ayanbarnwal2905]

​@@ValhalQcoholicI believe CaHSR is using that model in some areas with freight at grade and high speed rail on a viaduct.

[@BrakeCoach]

That has always been pretty weird for me. On a non-north american perspective, its weird to invest in two separate corridors. But I guess thats what happens when one sector (freight) is privatized and let loose.

[@haj8579]

As far as I know, electrification is good for freight trains too. After the Korean war, South Korean government priotized the electrifications of lines where heavy freight trains occupied most of the capacity. One of the reason of current US railway situation is that 4 railway companies do not care about any long term infrastructural investsments, even though it will eventually benefit them.

[@roger5059]

One thing that needs to be highlighted though, is that double decker freight trains need taller clearances than regular trains, which means there can be some conflict when installing overhead wire

[@Geotpf]

If you have a small system of incredibly dense tracks, maybe. But America's freight network is the opposite of that. It's huge yet not dense in any one place. Also, speed is a secondary issue over cost. Plus, the logistics of farting around with a small electric network and a larger diesel one negates any benefits, and nobody has the cash to convert the entire huge thing all at once. Simply put, for the American freight railroads at least, it simply doesn't make economic sense to slowly convert their network to electric and they don't have the money to do it all at once. Now, if the Feds do it for free, they might use it. But they have no economic reason to do it by themselves.

[@Stargate2077]

@roger5059 There are electrified lines with double decker freight trains in the world. India already solved this issue. We just need to build the electrified wires in the corridors in coordination with the freight operators to ensure that the wires are higher when the freight railroad clearly shows that they have double decker freight trains now or writhing the service lifetime of the overhead wires.

[@roger5059]

@Stargate2077 yeah, i'm not saying it can't be done, just that it can be an obstacle.

[@ninyaninjabrifsanovichthes45]

@@Stargate2077 There are electrified lines IN THE UNITED STATES that have double stacks running under them. Pennsylvania is the best example of this.

[@jasonalperin9414]

As long as passenger and freight trains share the same tracks,nothing changes/get better!

[@DoubleHCartoonFan57]

Alan Fisher being in this video is the TRA equivalent of Ben Stiller being in an episode of Phineas and Ferb

[@Thom-TRA]

Lol

[@amiausUSA]

On the Northeast Regional and Downeaster corridors, Amtrak should lengthen its station platforms, because it is a pain to have to walk through train cars just to enter and exit. Not every door can be opened at the stations. My latest Amtrak ride was this Tuesday 28 January from New London to NYC Moynihan / Penn Station. The ride was otherwise generally fast.

[@Thom-TRA]

I agree, it’s so outdated when they do that

[@portcybertryx222]

I’m glad that you are finally being recognised for your advocacy. I’m glad that momentum is picking up for not just more trains but better infrastructure. Even if this bill fails it shows that the tide is turning. We will keep working on this. Thank you for everything you’ve done on your part for building interest in the impact and importance of rail

[@Thom-TRA]

Thank you, that’s very kind :)

[@greble11]

Bravo Representative Deluzio and Senator Markey! Utah has a pretty good train system and lots of Republicans, let’s get them onboard. Trains shouldn’t be a partisan political issue.

[@Thom-TRA]

Yes, Utah is a great example!

[@coldfanta4963]

The fact that this could be a reality in this country is amazing. Gotta take those steps somehow!

[@DoubleHCartoonFan57]

Goes to show ya there’s always hope somewhere

[@coldfanta4963]

@@DoubleHCartoonFan57 that's all we can do sometimes

[@DiamondKingStudios]

3:55 I was one of them! I’m from a city that hasn’t seen a regular passenger train since the last one (Chicago-Miami, every third day) was axed along with 2/3 other services upon the formation of Amtrak in 1971. The first time my sister and I were on an Amtrak train was overnight on no. 19 (southbound _Crescent_ ) from DC to Atlanta. We would also have been on a train from DC to New York and back if tickets had been purchased in advance before it became too expensive for four people (which tends to happen a lot in the Northeast), so New Jersey Turnpike it was that time!

[@srajfnly2]

Well done Thom! This video was wonderful, and much appreciated.

[@Thom-TRA]

Thanks, glad you liked it!

[@d8meister]

Wow. An excellent report. Thanks for the information.

[@Thom-TRA]

Thank you!

[@scottyounger7948]

In addition to finding more funding for American rail projects I think that another key critical factor is going to be the city planning of the cities and towns that these improved or even new lines serve. If you take a look at the old downtown and Union passenger stations during the 40s and 50s and then look at those exact same spots today it is absolutely mind blowing just how much those areas have changed or rather have been completely levelled all in the name of downtown highways. If we are to seriously set about expanding American passenger rail then we absolutely must address the zoning laws and city planning of the cities that these lines are meant to serve. Even today far too many Amtrak stations are basically glorified bus stations on the edge of freight yard with nothing around it except for parking lots and partially abandoned warehouses. The way that American cities were up to about the 1950s made the business model for American passenger service work but the way that everything has been levelled and then rebuilt for the car has absolutely destroyed that business model.

[@Thom-TRA]

Wholeheartedly agree! I was just talking about this in a class a few days ago

[@scottyounger7948]

@ I addition to what I said earlier I wish that amtrak or the Dept. of Transportation had a more growth focused plan for passenger rail such as using DMUs for new burgeoning lines and then upgrading to larger sets as the passenger count goes up. Those DMUs could then be reassigned to another new line or used throughout the day on the same line to continue service while passenger counts are lower. I've also wondered what it would be like if Amtrak was set up into regions in a similar way that Japan National Rail is.

[@davinp]

The problem in America is that about 90% of railroads across the country are owned by freight. Those freight companies don't often like passenger rail using their tracks and limit the trains that can operate on their tracks. Virginia rail has a plan called Transforming Rail in Virginia which plans to build more tracks to that VRE can add more service and ease congestion problems that VRE has having to share the tracks with Amtrak and CSX Freight trains that cause delays. I-95 traffic is very heavy even on weekends which is why need more VRE service all day to get cars off the highway. VRE's current service is too limited and not convenient for everyone's schedule. Unfortunately, VRE's ridership has not recovered from the 2020 pandemic. As you know, Virginia Rail has purchased the Manasas Line from Norfolk Southern. VRE was able to acquire a storage yard south of Alexandria

[@ThePlecoPal]

There's no way you can convince feds to dump 200 billion into rail infrastructure this early into the new admin.

[@Thom-TRA]

Well, good thing you listened to what I said in this video and you know this vote is not up for a few years yet. Good job listening!

[@dexteralexander2437]

Congratulations on your selection to help introduce and publicize the All Aboard Act, Thom.

[@Thom-TRA]

Thanks! It was quite an honor

[@firiel2366]

This was a much-needed bright spot in a difficult day. Good video and thank you! I will be figuring out how to communicate to my local political leaders how important and beautiful this would be for the future of American transportation ❤

[@Thom-TRA]

Glad I could bring a little sunshine to your day!

[@michlschade2236]

I want a separate "trainshed beautification program" fund for improvements to sites seen from passenger trains, specifically along the Northeast Corridor. Restore historic structures, frame regional landscapes, clean up industrial sites, erase graffiti, remove litter. Local cities and regions need to beautify the city scapes as seen by passengers passing though. Looking at a city as you pass through should make you want to return to visit and explore. Most towns think it's OK if passengers think the town is ugly and dangerous.

[@Thom-TRA]

This is a great point honestly. Bring back the old Penn Station!

[@winterwatson6437]

i was with you until graffiti. it’s the best part of riding through portland!

[@wyomingcowboy2378]

A lot of this is the for profit railroads dropping the ball. We need harsher penalties for private railroads not maintaining their property. If my house is spray painted with graffiti, I'm the person who foots the bill to clean it up, not taxpayers. Private railroads shouldn't get a special subsidy for that.

[@gpholt1972]

Congratulations on your invitation to the Capitol Hill rollout of the All Aboard Act. I agree with Senator Markey about the importance of a sound rail infrastructure. I'll let my two senators and my representative know how important this is for future economic growth. Thanks for all you do to raise our awareness about rail transportation issues.

[@NicholasGonzalez-o5e]

I would definitely have even freight rail 100 percent electrified. More environmentally friendly. Which system would you prefer? Pentographs or third rails?

[@Thom-TRA]

In an ideal world yes

[@DiamondKingStudios]

Pantographs seem to be the more practical for long-distance, and almost every electric rail transport system seems to generally have that (instead of metros/subways for some reason). And if electrification of the mainline network is working well for India, it might for us also.

[@Ghfvhvfg]

Good ​@@DiamondKingStudios

[@mrvwbug4423]

It's not just environmentally friendly, it's also cheaper overall except the cost of building the electric infrastructure itself. Electric locomotives are significantly more powerful than diesels, so the same freight train could be pulled by fewer locomotives. And before someone goes "but but starting traction", build a 6 axle, heavy ballasted, 70mph geared, electric freight locomotive and it will obliterate even the tier 4s and the 6000hp heavy hauls for starting traction.

[@jyutzler]

Electrification nationwide? That's a 13-figure project. In this fantasy land where that much money is made available for rail, it wouldn't all be allocated to electrification. Let me know when you have a plan for getting the federal government to appropriate 14-figures to satisfy the ferroequinophiles.

[@Mars-ev7qg]

I did a back of the envelope calculation for how much it would cost to electrify the entire US rail network. I based my calculations on the cost of the northeast corridor extension in the early 90s. The estimate i came up with was 368 billion dollars. Sure that's a lot of money and probably an underestimate of the cost anyway. Spread that cost over 10 years and it becomes quite affordable per year by government standards.

[@stickynorth]

Even as a Canadian, I want to see an Interstate Inter-city High Speed Rail System using the Brightline West model of electric trains running down the medians of the Interstate highway system. It's the quickest and cheapest way to roll out passenger rail along existing busy corridors and make car drivers mad with envy plodding along at 60-70 mph while trains whisk by at 125-180 mph...

[@stickynorth]

Then add electric regional commuter networks that feed into all major cities... There's no valid reason why PM 2.5 polluting passenger trains should be running now when viable alternatives exist...

[@ItsJustStevesWorld]

The problem isn’t the bill passing the Senate; 19 GOP Senators crossed over and supported Biden’s Infrastructure Bill. The problem is the House; only two GOP members voted in favor of infrastructure in 2021 (Fitzpatrick (PA) and Smith (NJ))…and they likely did so because they’re in swing districts which would benefit from it, and because it passing was a given already. Now? With the current GOP House Leadership? The Speaker likely won’t even let it get to the floor.

[@DiamondKingStudios]

My congressional district has been consistently Democratic since 1875, but has a relatively conservative representative and a PVI of +3. I don’t know if he would support it because of the generally rural character of the district, and probably very little concern for passenger rail outside of Columbus, Macon, and perhaps Albany (the only major cities in the district, and even then only Albany is entirely within it). But if promises to extend trains to those cities and a few intermediate ones (Americus and Fort Valley chiefly) help him or some other 2026 nominee on either party win that election, it could do a lot to aid a very underserved part of the country.

[@Thom-TRA]

I’m really hoping the house flips next time around

[@Stargate2077]

Then we need to press representatives to initiate a discharge petition if Congressional leadership refuses to bring it to the floor for a debate and a vote.

[@daleviker5884]

@@Thom-TRA Yeah, we got that. You're an entitled train enthusiast.

[@Thom-TRA]

@@daleviker5884 so much irony in your statement Dale

[@adambuesser6264]

I need anything to take a train to where I want to go, whether for business or travel.

[@Railroadracer49]

YES YES & YES WE NEED MORE TRAINS🚂 CHOO CHOO’S ALL THE WAY!!🔥🗣️

[@SomebodyinNYC]

Yes,I definitely agree! Maybe by Shinkansen? Speaking of trains, I am going to D.C from NYC Penn Station to Union Station in D.C

[@davinp]

Join VRE at an open house for the L’Enfant Station and Fourth Track Improvements Project on February 5 from 3:30 - 7 pm. Stop by 300 7th St SW (the WMATA building) to learn about plans for the station and share input on the preliminary designs.

[@Thom-TRA]

Thanks for this tip!

[@TheWolfHowling]

IMHO, Whilst Electrification & 200MPH+ HSR must absolutely be the Long term goal, America simply needs increased Rail service, both Regional/"Commuter" & Intercity, as the short term aim. Medium term objective should be upgrading preexisting corridors & tracks to 110/125MPH standards.

[@peterfrey6062]

I sjupport the all aboard act. Thanks, Thom for this great presentation

[@jossdeiboss]

The problem is that Amtrak basically focuses only on connecting cities, which are very far apart. This is comparable to an international train in Europe. Amtrak should start focusing on more inter-urban rail, with frequent and fast connections to the city centre - similar to an expanded underground train. Where the traffic needs are high, Amtrak or a new agency should build its own track.

[@kcolemanhorn]

Love this video!! Commenting for the algorithm. I really hope this stuff gets passed.

[@Thom-TRA]

Thank you, me too!

[@brianhubert8418]

Wow what a cool thing to get invited to that presser congrats. Great video. They're so many good things here like actually calling for widescale tried and true an reliable overhead electrification instead of half-arse battery and hydrogen gimmicks. This would do so much to benefit everyone, not only train travelers but also those who live along rail corridors from reduced noise an no-point of emissions to reducing an eliminating dangerous and incovenient grade crossings. One of RM Transit's final videos noted how officials in surburban towns to buy into grade separations because they benefitd even those that drive. Maybe that could help here. Plus more passenger rail will help even those who drive by getting people out of cars. And for those more conservative minded Strong Towns recently noted that expanding highways is one of the worst ways to invest taxpayer money and parking lots represent the worst use of valuable land. More and improved trains could allow us to move away from the Suburban Experiment and towards a more traditional walkeable,bikeable and transit-friendly development partern that is more equitable, healthier and more sustainable both environmentally and economically. It's sad the freights are so shortsighted as overhead catenary would them unbeatable as they can be electric vehicles, but with no need for heavy batteries that need to be charged while also reducing ooperating costs. I'm really hoping some way some how this could happen!

[@Dodener]

what would i do? (this is before i watched the video) I think having more connections to medium cities would be nice, such as Greenbay WI. Im not as interested in full high speed rail as i think we need more any speed rail. However it would be nice seeing existing routes being upgraded to 110 mph instead of 79 in most places. Purchasing more ROW as well and being back conrail

[@ck4426]

That’s really awesome that you were able to attend and represent awesome trains at the All Aboard Act press conference ceremony. It looks like you are “training” for an awesome future!!! I hope you “Choo-se” something in trains or transit!!! That would be awesome!!!

[@Thom-TRA]

Haha, you and the Senator would get along well!

[@ck4426]

@ 🤣 we would have “pun” together🤣

[@paulcastillo1310]

Iam happy to hear this that Congress is coming up with the funding to do this we need this 👍😁

[@Thom-TRA]

Make sure to contact your representatives!

[@paulcastillo1310]

@@Thom-TRA oh yes I will do that

[@ryan225360]

They’re not, this will never pass. It’s like a 10/10 bill but this will never make it through the senate under trump.

[@paulcastillo1310]

@ryan225360 yes you are right

[@bigspinnanick]

Another fantastic video! All aboard!

[@VRE57]

I love this video! I’ve always loved your videos because I live in the dmv too!

[@Thom-TRA]

DMV represent

[@chrisdobrowolski2783]

I liked the train whistle at the end.

[@Daniel-hj8el]

I’m hoping that would jumpstart to speed up California high speed rail projects and other High speed construction especially Texas Central!

[@wyomingcowboy2378]

Will the freight railroads be required to chip in for the upgrades to their tracks? It would be tremendously unfair for the public to foot the entire bill for these types of things. The railroads themselves will benefit from electrification and many of the other improvements for generations, they should help pay.

[@Thom-TRA]

Perhaps their corporate taxes can be put to this goal

[@wyomingcowboy2378]

@@Thom-TRAFor sure. Personally, I feel that if we're going to make significant investments in private assets, the landowner (Union Pacific or whoever) should also contribute directly to the project. Alternatively, they could sell the tracks to the state / feds and pay to use them (which I think is how many other countries handle it, and seems to make more sense). Putting so much taxpayer money into land owned by huge corporations is just a tough pill to swallow and would be weighing on my mind if I was asked to vote on this legislation.

[@BLUE6_6]

Very informative!!!!

[@teecefamilykent]

Brilliant video sir.

[@Thom-TRA]

Many thanks!

[@electrourbantrans1018]

Cool video! I wish good luck to senators who will help the USA railroads become even more powerful and modern that they was 60-80 years ago. Some people said about interurbans too, I strongly agree with them, but the first main step is electrification! Specialists from the USSR when they was in the USA in 1930 saw large portion of electrification systems and then electricity became significant power source in Soviet railways, many of these lines survived and powered by electricity as well. China, India, Japan also opened positive moments of electric powered railways, so I believe that the USA needs more electrification, which helps to reduce not only noise and pollution, but the number of locomotives per train as well, which could be more effective for train cargo companies.

[@ChicknNugts]

sick Alan drop

[@davidaldinger113]

What would really be nice is if we could see a revival of sleeper trains like what’s happening in Europe right now.

[@ianweniger6620]

Well done, Thom!

[@Thom-TRA]

Thank you!

[@joserivera-yc5rr]

Awesome!

[@ValhalQcoholic]

Thanks!

[@Thom-TRA]

Thank you!

[@jackstreckert3344]

This is amazing, things have been looking better and better for train travel in the US over the past couple years, how likely do you think that it is that this bill will pass?

[@Thom-TRA]

It’s gonna be an uphill battle but I’m not saying never! The key is to build a broad coalition of support

[@JonDoe-ln6nl]

It will be DOA with the Tangerine Man in the White House.

[@Illych1515]

Great video as always!

[@Thom-TRA]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@TrainsFerriesFeet]

I live in SC; one of (many) the reasons I'm moving to NYC when I retire is so I can become carless and do most of my travel by train.

[@Thom-TRA]

That’s a great goal!

[@calexu1986]

I think Northeast corridor should be fully upgraded or build a new dedicated line to optimize the new Avelia Liberty and become a true HSR.

[@luislaplume8261]

Did you go there on a weekend? The train was quite empty. The last time I was in the Washington DC Metro it was crowded on the weekend but that was back in the 1990s.

[@Thom-TRA]

No it was in the middle of a weekday at the back end of the train

[@luislaplume8261]

@Thom-TRA Well being from my old hometown of NYC no wonder. After all it is crowded on most subway lines. I am a New Yorker who grew up in NYC during the Mad Men era of the 1960s and life then was quite different from today. True story...When we moved to Richmond Hill, Queens in April 1964 I had trouble sleeping because even during the midnight hours there was always a subway train running every half hour and there was a garbage collection train that collected garbage from the dumpsters at each station. This particular line was the Broadway Jamaica line that was elevated from Brooklyn to Queens and ran above the streets..The garbage train used 4 retired subway cars with 3 flatcars that the dumpsters were rolled in to.

[@joshpeck9266]

What would I do? Where to start 😂😂 High speed rail of 300-350 km/h. Medium high speed linking those connections of 250km/h. Regional trains 200 km/h. Ultra high speed maglev Japanese 500km/h for longer distance or higher capacity routes. Like cross country. Also WAY faster transport of fresh produce. high speed cargo (only for fresh lightweight things).

[@briangasser973]

How do you proposed funding and NIMBY issues of city residents not wanting their land seized for right of ways?

[@joshpeck9266]

@ the problem is urban sprawl. And not to mention what do u call all the high ways

[@joshpeck9266]

@ why do people ask such stupid questions funding you can defund the empire budget. Not to mention, they just print money constantly because they have sovereign control over the currency.. funding isn’t a problem.

[@KorraDaTrainBuff]

I visited France and the UK last month and took several trains to visit certain cities I wanted to go to (Notably the Eurostar, LNER Azuma, and the TGV), and I was honestly blown away by their higher frequency, typically faster trains, and almost all of them were electrified. It made me sad that Amtrak isn't like that, especially the routes where there's only one train every 24 hours. This could be very beneficial if it passes, I hope it does

[@PJ57-u2u]

Its called Avelia Thom I/E; no more locomotives for passenger trains All Avelia traine are both DMU & EMU [no more engine changes]

[@richardneidich]

Thom, how about a show that looks at British Rail's versus private operators roles in England. That is, British Rail sets the standards and operates the infrastructure while the private operators provide the service upon the standardized infrastructure. Was not an easy implementation, but it seems to be working there.

[@Thom-TRA]

I did something similar about the Netherlands last year, but the UK would be interesting to look into

[@MichaelDavidVids]

Awesome video. Definitely hopeful news for the future

[@Thom-TRA]

Thank you!

[@marlopeterson8283]

Extend the Heartland Flyer to go from St. Paul - KC - Wichita - OKC - Ft. Worth - SAS - Corpus

[@Thom-TRA]

That would be cool

[@robincoleman1350]

I hope that little tooting whistle at the end didn't just sink the whole thing 😮

[@michaelformaini7053]

Well done Thom. It's great to see that your channel is recognised by "the powers that be". I've a lot of catching up to do on KZbin clips that have been posted since before Christmas so wont go beyond saying "Keep up the good work and hope your advocacy works with the Trump side of politics". Cheers from downunder.😀

[@93greenstrat]

When electrification finally happens, I'm going to miss those diesels. I now have a renewed appreciation for GEVO's.

[@Thom-TRA]

There will always be a place for diesel I’m sure. This focused on rail yards and high-intensity corridors.

[@KilloreTroute]

I just emailed my Representative and 2 Senators to support this legislation. America has spent too much money on stupid wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, Israel, and Ukraine instead of fixing things in this country. Email your Representative and Senators now. It's very easy and will take you no more than 15 minutes. No more war spending, more train spending.

[@armandoventura9043]

Nah, the United States already knows that it wants to absorb Canada and Mexico

[@adampauley1916]

What is the bill number? Was it reintroduced in the 119th congress?

[@SleepTrain456]

As usual, I found this quite informative! I've heard about the All Aboard America Act, but now, I know more about it. I hope that this act passes, and thanks to the knowledge that the transportation reauthorization bill usually passes, I'm confident it will. Thanks for the video!

[@Thom-TRA]

The work’s not done but we have to stay optimistic!

[@KF350S]

I love your dc videos

[@Thom-TRA]

Lots more coming!

[@zacharyblasiman2236]

I want more trains!

[@vette1]

i dont see it getting anywhere under the current administration but good luck especially with the privatization of Amtrak they want to do

[@KeithFShovlin]

Hey, new subscriber, train enthusiast, daily rider of the VRE. Have you done videos on the Long Bridge project or the Autotrain? I looked through your past videos and didn't see any. There's a lot of train infrastructure work being done in Northern Virginia right now that I've been keeping up with.

[@Thom-TRA]

I’ve been meaning to do one on the VA upgrades but am waiting for some more action so I can get more footage

[@MrReed89]

Well, I think the bright line in Florida is proving that to be true.... I had this idea that once people experience high-speed rail in Florida, there'll be other areas of the country that wanted as well. The senator really never mentioned that. A lot of people back in the day said, driving is freedom... Well trains mean freedom from the stress of Driving parking or the stresses of the airport and air travel. I certainly hope this bill passes.

[@pickled51]

Rather than using lawyers and laws to get the freight railroads to comply with Amtrak rules, in my opinion it would be better for the U.S. government to institute an Interstate Highway style law that now applies to constructing NEW electrified passenger rail lines all over the U.S. Such a law will result in quicker construction and faster trains for passenger rail. The current system, where most of the funds go to lawyers, do little to advance Amtrak interests to make the freight railroads comply with rules the freight railroads couldn't care less about.

[@willstrainsplanes]

Boii he sure railed it with all these puns!! Despike that, wonder how he got the locomotion to do that

[@stanhry]

3:59 American Airlines serviced around 275 millions customers. Delta 200 mil, United 174 mil. Passenger rail service has along way to go.

[@Thom-TRA]

Hence this legislation…

[@JonDoe-ln6nl]

Perhaps we should make airlines pay for their infrastructure? Who builds the airports? Who provides traffic control? Who provides security?

[@stanhry]

@@JonDoe-ln6nl duh they and we do. Fuel taxes landing and gate fees. The advantage of numbers being on their side. Heavy used airports generate millions of dollars a year for the cities that own them. Plus all the thriving services businesses that benefit from aviation. Ground transportation, lodging, food , and tourism. For trains travel to grow it needs to pay for itself and not just be a money pit. FAA totals approximately 1.04 billion passengers in 2024. Average air $380 x the 1.04 = 395 billion dollars which a portion goes to the government paying for the infrastructure. Rail needs to find their niche.

[@rickn501s]

I applaud Senator Markey. I also hope we stop talking and start building!

[@davinp]

I don't think CSX wants to electricity the tracks in Virginia that VRE & Amtrak uses

[@DiamondKingStudios]

NS would have been worse if not for the Manassas Line purchase.

[@AlanShapiro-s4x]

We can always dream...

[@brucehain]

Does it have a provision for defect detectors, now 2 years after East Palestine, with miles as to spacing and time between checkup/maintenance?

[@Thommygun-qv7um]

See Thom? Your videos DO MATTER and make a difference. I am really happy for you that your hard and honest work finally bore fruit! Please, keep the good content coming! About the electrification: The US are around 50 to 70 years behind the rest of the western world. West germany had the most mainlines by the late 1970s, east germany at the end of the 1980. Gaps were filled after reunfication until the mid 1990s. When did NS finish the mainline electrification in the Netherlands? Just curious. Must have been around the same time as west germany? Also, if the US gouvernment would really wish, they could have the wire up in a few years nationwide. How long did it take india? Less than 10 years for almost all mainlines in this giant country? Also, I think all the important the rail infrastructure should be nationlized in the US (like in most other developed countries). The gouvernment maintains it and the railway companies, including Amtrak, pay fees for every used mile. It takes the burden of the maintenance away from them and the routes generate the gouvernment an income in relation to the usage of the specific route. Also, the gouvernment could make sure that passenger rail, commuter, regional or Amrrak, finally gets the right of way it deserves and desperately needs. I see only one last problem: How to convice the freight companies to switch from their tousends of diesel locos to electric ones? Guess this has to be done by law as well, since most big logistic companies are don't give a f**k about the environment. FedEx ran Boeing 707 for almost 50 years since they had nonreal concern with their lack of fuel efficiency and massive pollution...

[@Thom-TRA]

Thank you!! And the answer to your last problem: money. Have someone else pay for the electrification and they’ll be happy to switch lol.

[@rikkichunn8856]

This is actually a very thought-provoking article, Thom. It's a lot of money, at precisely a time when the political situation in the US is changing rapidly. We'll have to see how the Trump administration responds to it. I am by no means an expert on that part of the issue. Perhaps the new administration will favor private enterprise passenger rail, such as Brightline? That could be good. For example, Brightline West seems to have the jump on Amtrak, which has talked about adding one (!) train daily between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Compare that to Brightline that is adding a whole new line, but not quite into central Los Angeles. So, it's going to be interesting to watch. It seems clear to me that urban freeways are not the solution to commuting/regional travel needs. Regional rail/commuter rail seems a better solution. It seems bizarre that America thinks nothing about constructing a new freeway, but building a rail line seems to be a major issue! It's definitely going to be interesting to watch! Thanks again for inviting your viewers to think.

[@redriverwave]

Excellent!

[@Thom-TRA]

Here’s hoping this can be bipartisan

[@NoComment030]

MD resident here and frequent user of WMATA, Amtrak, and MARC- what can I do to support this legislation to make sure it actually gets passed?? beside the obvious writing to my congressman

[@Thom-TRA]

Spread the word! Make trains look as awesome as they are to everyone you know

[@NoComment030]

@@Thom-TRA will do!

[@ninyaninjabrifsanovichthes45]

I hope this passes, this country NEEDS rail electrification

[@omarm-510]

Government funding into rail is long overdue..I'm really glad to hear we are investing in rail. There's literally no connection between major cities outside of small highways and planes. I personally would have liked to see us invest in Hydrogen trains like in Sacramento and Canada even though it's expensive but the electrifying of thousands of miles will certainly cost more than billions and not to mention the costs of energy. Hopefully the electricity comes from renewable energy. I will take anything we can get and if we go full electric that's fine by me. Let's invest in our country.

[@100equus]

My IQ always goes up a point with each of your videos.

[@Thom-TRA]

Hahaha

[@elevatorcentral]

why most outside big cities dont see trains projects being a good use of money 1 these are usually grossly underfunded for the work they claim to do and either never make it onto permits or heck never make it past the fake first shovel 2 the contractors usually mark up the project 7-8 times what would be done for a private customer then theres tons of embezzlement that goes unchecked 3 these projects usually dont even tap into where there is demand its usually some farm field 60 miles short of the hot spots 4 the FRA and government can make the freight railroads go electric but they do nothing cause they dont wanna upset the money they make off the kickbacks if electric railroads were so critical why did that not get forced like electric cars are

[@williammurray1341]

The largest rail network dedicated to freight first because freight pays the bills.

[@Daniel-hj8el]

Man I wish they included the revival of the Budd Company!

[@RocketTrain-0]

It's about time this law passes.

[@brucehain]

I'm a Trumophile, so I prefer the Opportunity Zones approach that got kicked out by Congress around 2017. At least it would provide a profit incentive. Whether a given route is legally mandated or not they should all try and operate with with both financial and physical efficiency. That's not getting done with today's approach: pour money on it and light it.

[@Thom-TRA]

But that leads to cutting corners which is how you get disasters

[@brucehain]

@@Thom-TRA Great videos by the way, I should put that 1st but always forget. I wouldn't have known about the All Aboard Act if not for this video. (Now come the snarky response...) Surprisingly there is still no law or rule specifying defect detectors and their spacing and maintenance. You'd think we would've done than in the two years since E. Palestine.