Axios: “Passenger rail could be the big winner if Congress moves ahead with President Biden’s ambitious infrastructure plan. There’s long been bipartisan support for rebuilding America’s crumbling infrastructure, but under Biden, the focus has shifted to sustainable projects that fulfill both his climate and equity goals, such as rail transit. Even though many public transit systems are reeling from the pandemic, ridership is expected to return eventually, requiring long-term investment. Right now, the Biden administration is trying to get his $1.9 trillion COVID stimulus package through Congress (including $30.5 billion in emergency funding for public transit).”
“But soon the House and Senate will turn their attention to infrastructure spending. Biden wants to spend $2 trillion, including $50 billion on immediate road and bridge repairs. He also wants to build out transit in high-poverty areas and fund high-speed rail systems, promising ‘the second great railroad revolution.’ The price tag could be too high for Republicans, but Senate Budget Committee Chair Bernie Sanders told Axios that Democrats will pass it with a simple majority through the budget reconciliation process if necessary.”