BRAIN Train Act Introduced by Senator Markley
Saturday, May 30, 2020 10:23 AM
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.