SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey introduced new legislation to Transform the U.S. Rail Network.
The All Aboard Act would dedicate $200 billion over five years to build high-speed rail, expand existing passenger rail service, and electrify the most heavily polluting rail yards and corridors.
The legislation includes labor protections for the existing union labor workforce and creates a rail personnel training grant program for rail workers. “With Investments like this Massachusetts and other states can build efficient,” says Senator Markey. “And electrified service, we could expand train service across the Commonwealth without increasing dangerous pollutants in our air.”
Improving rail access has long been a priority for Massachusetts lawmakers. Last month, MassDOT was awarded nearly $37 million to help complete the design for the Springfield area track reconfiguration project at Union Station.