Advocacy

In January 2010, when the American High Speed Rail Alliance (AHSRA) was established, we realized that raising awareness and campaigning are essential in achieving widespread long term change. Therefore, our focus is to provide a platform that unites high speed rail interests and offer a Grassroots Action Center to advocate for laws and policies that create oppportunities for the development of a national high speed rail network.

The AHSRA Grassroots Action Center works to educate and empower student groups, local and regional chapters, and individuals to take effective action on high speed rail related issues. AHSRA grassroots members mobilize the public and encourage decision-makers to put high speed rail as a top priority on their agendas.

Advocacy Agenda:

• Support the proposed $50 billion authorization for High Speed Rail in the SAFETEA-LU re-authorization legislation, and work with Congress to identify a dedicated source of funding to appropriate towards this authorization
• Modify existing federal funding and financing programs such as RRIF, TIFIA and Build America Bonds to ensure eligibility for High Speed Rail investmen
• Promote innovative tools that incentivize private sector participation in High Speed Rail financing including public/private partnerships and the development of a national infrastructure investment bank
• Support enactment of freight rail investment tax credits that benefit the development of High Speed Rail
• Advocate for a $4 billion annual appropriation from the Transportation Appropriations account for High Speed Rail development
• Develop a dedicated and predictable funding source for High Speed Rail to allow effective long-term planning and develop a sustainable market for High Speed Rail vendors and service providers
• Support full funding of Amtrak
• Be a partner in industry efforts to sensibly and cost-effectively implement safety regulations, such as Positive Train Control (PTC), while advocating for funding to meet these mandates and transparency in the development of critical technology