Today’s announcement of the historic $6.1 billion investment in high-speed rail projects, the largest federal commitment to passenger trains American history, will at long last make train travel feasible and reliable for millions nationwide.

Additionally, it will create work opportunities for existing and future BMWED members and establish a new standard for skilled railroad work throughout the country.

This announcement from President Biden today reshapes the outlook of transportation in the United States. High-speed rail projects are foundational to the future of travel and the Brotherhood is excited about providing the skills and expertise of our membership to finally bring reliable, efficient, and timely rail travel to all Americans.

“High speed rail travel is the future of American travel,” BMWED President Tony D. Cardwell said. “We welcome this investment and what it can do for not just our Brotherhood, but for all of Rail Labor, and for the country. It will create thousands of skilled, Union rail jobs and will blaze a trail that when completed has the real likelihood of becoming the greatest passenger railroad project campaign in United States history.”

A significant portion of the funding, $3 billion, has been allocated to Brightline West, heralded as the nation's inaugural high-speed rail system. This transformative 218-mile project will link Las Vegas and Southern California, with plans to be operational in time for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Simultaneously, California High-Speed Rail will receive $3.07 billion to complete its initial 171-mile leg in the Central Valley, establishing the world's first solar-powered bullet train connecting Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Additionally, a nationwide high-speed rail network in several key corridors are included in early planning fund allocation, including Atlanta, Ga. – Charlotte, N.C.; Fort Worth, Tex. – Dallas, Tex. – Houston, Tex.; Palmdale, Ca. – Victorville, Ca.; and Portland, Ore. – Seattle, Wash. – Vancouver, B.C. This ambitious initiative seeks to transform the way Americans travel between major cities, offering a fast, convenient, and eco-friendly alternative.

President Biden and Congressional bipartisan investment in high-speed rail is a decisive step toward realizing America's vision for a modern, efficient, and sustainable transportation system. The BMWED is proud to be a part of its future.