WHO
WHAT
WHAT
TheAuroraGroup (TAG) is a coalition of business and rail industry professionals, created in Aurora, IL. to address important transportation issues. We believe:
- A national passenger rail network should be a high federal priority, providing a mobility choice for 179 million Americans.
- Federally supported, long-distance routes are an important
TheAuroraGroup (TAG) is a coalition of business and rail industry professionals, created in Aurora, IL. to address important transportation issues. We believe:
- A national passenger rail network should be a high federal priority, providing a mobility choice for 179 million Americans.
- Federally supported, long-distance routes are an important part of such a network and represent the only access to passenger rail for 67.3 million people.
- Passenger trains address mobility, economic development, jobs, energy and environmental issues, and improve our quality of life.
WHAT
WHAT
WHAT
We are gravely concerned that Amtrak’s national passenger train network is on the verge of collapse and are committed to ensuring that it fulfills its congressional mandate. Our priorities in 2023:
- Rebuild idle equipment as soon as possible to end service disruptions;
- Fast track immediate car orders with proven designs to bolster Amtrak's
We are gravely concerned that Amtrak’s national passenger train network is on the verge of collapse and are committed to ensuring that it fulfills its congressional mandate. Our priorities in 2023:
- Rebuild idle equipment as soon as possible to end service disruptions;
- Fast track immediate car orders with proven designs to bolster Amtrak's fleet;
- Insist that Amtrak prioritize passengers and fully commit to a national system vs. current cost cutting.
In summary, in order for the "national network" to function as a viable transportation option it must be frequent, convenient, on-time and passenger focused. Mobility is Freedom.
HOW
WHAT
HOW
Our outreach and advocacy efforts will ensure appropriate Congressional oversight of Amtrak to make certain that existing routes and services are fully functioning, meeting customer needs and expectations. Our members have years of advocacy experience in advancing transportation programs that improve the economic welfare and quality of life for Americans.
Repair, Rebuild, Replace.
Leadership
George Chilson
Co-Chair, San Diego, California
George Chilson is a retired entrepreneur, former marketing executive and Chairman Emeritus of the Rail Passengers Association.
Jim Tilley
Co-Chair, Jacksonville, Florida
James Tilley is President of the Florida Coalition of Rail
Passengers and previously held the position of Vice
President-Car Management, Genesee & Wyoming Railroad
Services
American's Support for RAIL is strong and growing
83% of Americans believe we should shift more trips to passenger rail and public transit as well as more freight to trains to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
82% of Americans support more Congressional spending to address railroad crossing safety
7 out of 10 Americans view public transit and passenger rail favorably after the pandemic.
1 out of 2 Americans believe the U.S. should invest more in public transit and passenger rail.
86% of Americans consider freight railroads important to the US economy.
6 out of 10 Americans favor moving freight over land by rail as opposed to truck.