U.S. needs reliable rail systems where 'traveling 106 mph is considered slow', U.S. PIRG asserts amid Amtrak debate

2015-05-15T20:40:00-04:00

In an unfortunate sequence of events, reports earlier this week state that the U.S. House Appropriations Committee voted to cut Amtrak funding by an estimated $260 million -- one day after a fatal Amtrak passenger-train derailment in Philadelphia on May 12. As investigations on the accident ensue, public debate regarding the nation's transportation needs has reignited.

In one response, the U.S. Public Interest Research Group consumer organization released their latest statement by Transportation Campaign Director John Olivieri. Olivieri stresses in a "if they can do it, so can we" manner that it's about time American policy makers catch up with international competitors and invest on designing a safe high-speed passenger rail system.

Below is Olivieri's statement from the U.S. PIRG website:

"'This is a horrible tragedy, and our condolences go to those whose family and friends have been lost or injured. Events like this must be prevented.'

'Our policy makers should take the long view. We...

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U.S. needs reliable rail systems where 'traveling 106 mph is considered slow', U.S. PIRG asserts amid Amtrak debate