Feds Consider Gutting Amtrak in Latest Budget Proposal

Less than a week ago, SMART News brought you the latest in our series of stories tackling the importance of transit funding, a critical issue that’s affecting communities of all sizes across the country.

Significant Amtrak, Transit Funding Cuts Possibly Looming

In its most recent budget request for fiscal year 2027, the federal government proposes slashing over $2 billion from Amtrak, a 13.5% reduction that comes on the heels of a record year for the rail network. Not only that, a bipartisan group of more than 100 lawmakers sent a letter at the end of March pushing for full funding for Amtrak and other rail projects.

Unfortunately, that’s not all that’s on the chopping block.

The Federal Transit Administration’s budget calls for an over $1 billion reduction in the Capital Investment Grants program, which “funds transit capital investments, including heavy rail, commuter rail, light rail, streetcars, and bus rapid transit.”

The supposed reasoning for the cut? “[It’s] a move to make local governments do more.”

Yes, you read that correctly. Instead of supporting their local counterparts, the federal government is essentially saying that they can figure out how to make ends meet.

Nothing to it, right?

An Insult to Amtrak Members and Local Governments

You don’t have to be an avid follower of national politics to see it: this is clear proof that the federal government’s priorities are completely out-of-touch with what’s happening across the country.

Rather than supporting local and state governments that are working tirelessly to ensure that their communities have access to quality, reliable, and safe public transit options, they’re leaving them to figure it out on their own and foot the entire bill.

That’s not fiscal responsibility. That’s a blatant disservice to our members and the passenger rail and transportation networks that keep this country moving.