Tubbs Jones Supports Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act

Statement

Tubbs Jones Supports Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act

Today, Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones expressed her support for the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act which reauthorizes Amtrak through FY 2013 and creates a new capital grants program for states to provide new or improved intercity passenger rail. She released this statement:

"Restoring passenger rail service to one of the most densely-populated urban corridors in Ohio including Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati, is an idea beyond overdue at the station. This corridor is at the heart of a potentially vibrant passenger rail system in Ohio, a fact borne out by a number of studies dating back as far as the 1980's.

"Public demand is growing for transportation choices in Ohio. Significant anecdotal evidence around the United States suggests that even basic passenger rail service such as this would draw heavy ridership and grow the demand for more service.

"Today, the reality of ever-higher gasoline prices and their impact on the everyday mobility of our fellow Ohioans and on Ohio's economy makes the restoration of rail passenger service in Ohio a critical transportation need.

"We are hearing from our constituents increasingly that 'pain at the pump' leaves them few or only expensive options to travel on business, and to access everything from education to jobs to medical care.

"Since January of 2007 alone, the average price of unleaded gas in Cleveland has gone up 72%. In some cases, Ohioans are seeing more and more of their incomes going to feed their car and cutting into other life necessities

"A recent study by the Ohio Rail Association discussed the economic impact that high-speed rail would have on Ohio and the surrounding region. The seven-corridor high speed rail system planned for Ohio would create an annual fuel savings of 9.4 million gallons and create approximately 16,700 permanent jobs within Ohio.

"It is for these reasons that I strongly urge my colleagues to support the passage of this bill to move Amtrak and an improved passenger rail system forward."

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