The North American Passenger Rail Organization advocates for federal policies that expand passenger rail options, promote competition, and deliver value to taxpayers. Our 2026 Legislative Framework outlines clear priorities for reauthorization, including equitable access to funding, competitive grant eligibility, scalable project delivery, and streamlined regulatory implementation. Our 2026 reauthorization priorities include:

7 Prong Policy Objectives

• Prong 1- Apply commercial principles to intercity operations and advance competition.

• Prong 2 – Create a National Passenger Equipment Program for Rolling Stock.

• Prong 3 - Reform liability, indemnification, and insurance requirements.

• Prong 4 - Accelerate permitting, land acquisition and environmental processes.

• Prong 5 - Establish a sustainable Rail Capital Infrastructure Account.

• Prong 6 - Assure Labor safeguards across the various reforms; and

• Prong 7 -Adopt a plan to deploy high-speed rail in select mega-regions.

NAPRO supports legislative efforts, such as S.209 and similar frameworks, that recognize the role of private operators as long-term partners in delivering and expanding passenger rail through public-private collaboration.