Senator Edward Markey

The BRAIN TRAIN Act will specifically:

• Authorize the Department of Transportation (DOT) to implement a competitive grant program and award up to $5 billion annually to fund high-performance rail projects.
• Instruct the DOT to evaluate applications for funding based on criteria such as:
  • The levels of estimated ridership, increased on-time performance, reduced trip time, or additional rail service frequency;
  • The anticipated provision of passenger rail service in regions that are historically and persistently unconnected or under-connected; and
  • The anticipated favorable impact on air or traffic congestion and safety.
  • Direct the DOT to give greater preference to high-performance rail projects that will:
    • Encourage direct connections between multiple modes of transportation, including train and transit stations, bus terminals, subway stations, ferry ports, and more;
    • Improve conventional intercity passenger, freight, or commuter rail operations;
    • Provide environmental benefits, including the use of environmentally sensitive, fuel-efficient, or electrified passenger rail equipment;
    • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions;
    • Improve air quality and public health;
    • Provide positive economic and employment impacts, including development in the areas near passenger stations, historic districts, or other opportunity zones; and
    • Provide enhanced transportation options for persons with disabilities.