Op-Ed: Why an Effective Passenger Rail Network Needs Government Involvement

An outdated rail network that privileges freight won’t be fixed by privatizing Amtrak.

1 minute read

May 2, 2025, 6:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Conductor walks down platform next to Amtrak train at station in San Jose, California.

Matt Gush / Adobe Stock

In an op-ed in Streetsblog USA, Edward D’Amato argues that privatizing Amtrak won’t make U.S. passenger rail better.

According to D’Amato, “Amtrak’s government ownership isn’t the problem. The issue runs deeper.” U.S. rail lines, D’Amato explains, were largely built in the 19th century by private interests. “Back then, rail lines didn’t need to be straight and fast as trains only had to compete with canals, stagecoaches and riverboats — not cars and airplanes.”

Today, transportation needs are different, but U.S. railways have not caught up. Building out a passenger rail network requires public investment, and the success of private operator Brightline in Florida is “ an exception rather than a blueprint for national success. Its model depends on some public investment and will work only on the most densely traveled routes.”

D’Amato argues that the U.S. needs a dedicated, publicly funded passenger rail network separate from freight traffic to attract private rail investment — not entirely different from how governments fund airports and highways to enable private transportation.

According to D’Amato, the U.S. must take three steps to create an effective, modern passenger rail network:

  • Create a passenger rail trust fund similar ot the Highway Trust Fund
  • Establish a federal policy framework for passenger rail
  • Create a federal Passenger Rail Authority

Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Streetsblog USA

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Redlining map of Oakland and Berkeley.

Rethinking Redlining

For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.

May 15, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 14, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Front of Walmart store with sign.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network

The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

May 7, 2025 - Inc.

Aerial view of Albuquerque, New Mexico at sunset.

New State Study Suggests Homelessness Far Undercounted in New Mexico

An analysis of hospital visit records provided a more accurate count than the annual point-in-time count used by most agencies.

May 16 - Source NM

Close-up on white bike helmet lying on pavement with blurred red bike on its side in background abd black car visible behind it.

Michigan Bills Would Stiffen Penalties for Deadly Crashes

Proposed state legislation would close a ‘legal gap’ that lets drivers who kill get away with few repercussions.

May 16 - Wood TV 8

Muni bus on red painted bus-only lane in downtown San Francisco, California.

Report: Bus Ridership Back to 86 Percent of Pre-Covid Levels

Transit ridership around the country was up by 85 percent in all modes in 2024.

May 16 - Mass Transit