The Trump administration has announced a new $5 billion program aimed at increasing passenger rail traffic across the United States. As part of this initiative, $2.4 billion previously withdrawn from California’s high-speed rail project will be redistributed to other states and projects.
The new National Railroad Partnership Program, detailed on Monday, introduces revised criteria for applicants. It eliminates requirements related to diversity and climate change that were present during the Biden administration. The program instead prioritizes projects in regions with higher birth and marriage rates, as well as those focused on improving safety at railroad crossings.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy addressed these changes in his announcement: “Our new National Railroad Partnership Program will emphasize safety – our number one priority – without the radical … DEI and green grant requirements. Instead of wasting dollars on Governor Newsom’s high-speed rail boondoggle, these targeted investments will improve the lives of rail passengers, local drivers, and pedestrians.”
Most of the funds being made available stem from the federal government’s decision to rescind $4 billion from California’s high-speed rail project. Additional funding comes from last year’s announcements and allocations included in this year’s budget.
President Donald Trump and Secretary Duffy have both expressed criticism toward California’s high-speed rail project due to ongoing delays and cost overruns that have stalled progress on connecting San Francisco and Los Angeles by train.
California officials have indicated they intend to oppose the redistribution of these funds. They had already filed a lawsuit challenging the withdrawal of federal support for their project. Micah Flores, spokesperson for the California High-Speed Rail Authority, stated: “The FRA’s decision to terminate federal funding for California high-speed rail was unlawful, unwarranted, and is being challenged in federal court. Now, their attempt to redirect a portion of that funding, currently the subject of litigation, is premature,” Flores said. “The Authority has been prepared for this possibility and will take imminent legal action to block this misguided effort by the FRA.”
An FRA spokesperson noted that giving preference to areas with higher birth and marriage rates aligns with President Trump’s executive orders focusing spending on initiatives benefiting American families.
Railroad crossing safety remains a significant concern; more than 200 people die each year in incidents involving trains colliding with vehicles or pedestrians at crossings—a problem addressed by both government agencies and railroad companies but one that requires costly infrastructure improvements such as bridges or underpasses.
Although the primary aim is passenger rail enhancement, some funds are expected to go toward upgrades on major freight lines since Amtrak relies on these tracks for most long-distance routes across the country.
Additionally, priority will be given to projects that seek to enhance family travel experiences by including amenities like nursing mothers’ rooms, larger waiting areas, and children’s play spaces within train stations.
Applications for grants under this program are due by January 7.
