Get Involved
Local & Regional Organizations
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
BayRail Alliance
An all-volunteer transit consumer group working to promote an upgraded and expanded rail service in the Bay Area (formerly Peninsula Rail 2000)
Friends 4 Expo Transit
Citizens working for a light rail option in the Los Angeles Mid-City/Westside transit corridor, now partially open
Friends Of Light Rail
Sacramento County, CA
Rescue MUNI
San Francisco
SaveMUNI
San Francisco's only Independent Transportation Think Tank
The Transit Coalition
Los Angeles
TransForm
San Francisco Bay Area
Transportation Solutions Defense & Education Fund
San Francisco Bay Area
Colorado
All Aboard Northwest
All Aboard Northwest (AANW) is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit public policy advocacy and action organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Greater Northwest region, extending from the Great Lakes to the Pacific Northwest: Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Washington and Oregon. AANW believes that a comprehensive, long-distance, passenger and freight rail network, with seamless connections to other modes of transportation throughout the Greater Northwest will create significant benefits to the region’s economy, environment and equity.
Front Range On Track
Advocates for passenger train service between Albuquerque, Pueblo, Denver, Boulder and Cheyenne
Connecticut
Shore Line East Riders' Association
Representing users of the state-funded, Amtrak-operated service between New Haven, Old Saybrook and New London.
The Train Campaign
Working to restore restore passenger rail service between New York City, northwestern Connecticut, and western Massachusetts.
Tri-State Transportation Campaign
Supporting transportation reform in the New York/New Jersey/Connecticut metro area.
Delaware
Delmarva Rail Passenger Association
Delaware - Maryland Eastern Shore; contact Tom Posatko for more information.
District of Columbia
Florida
Georgia
Advance Atlanta
A Millennial Advocacy group for the expansion of MARTA
Hawaii
Idaho
All Aboard Northwest
All Aboard Northwest (AANW) is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit public policy advocacy and action organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Greater Northwest region, extending from the Great Lakes to the Pacific Northwest: Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Washington and Oregon. AANW believes that a comprehensive, long-distance, passenger and freight rail network, with seamless connections to other modes of transportation throughout the Greater Northwest will create significant benefits to the region’s economy, environment and equity.
Empire Builder Advocates
Learn about the Empire Builder, how to ride it, why the it is important, and how you can support its continued operation.
Illinois
Citizens Taking Action
Riders' group for Chicago-region transit users
Empire Builder Advocates
Learn about the Empire Builder, how to ride it, why the it is important, and how you can support its continued operation.
Indiana
Northern Indiana Passenger Rail Association
Fort Wayne/Waterloo
Iowa
Ride the Rail
Civic advocacy group to bring back passenger rail service from Chicago through Rockford to Dubuque, Iowa.
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Central Maryland Transportation Alliance
The Central Maryland Transportation Alliance is a diverse coalition of corporate and civic leaders uniting business, philanthropic and institutional sectors around a common agenda: improving and expanding transportation options for the citizens and businesses of Central Maryland. Our singular focus is to be a catalyst for improving the region's transportation.
Massachusetts
The Train Campaign
Working to restore restore passenger rail service between New York City, northwestern Connecticut, and western Massachusetts.
Trains In The Valley
Pioneer Valley region of Western Massachusetts
TransitMatters
Boston-area transit advocates
Western Mass Rail Coalition
An association of rail advocacy groups working together to expand the use of passenger rail in Western Massachusetts.
Michigan
Minnesota
All Aboard Northwest
All Aboard Northwest (AANW) is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit public policy advocacy and action organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Greater Northwest region, extending from the Great Lakes to the Pacific Northwest: Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Washington and Oregon. AANW believes that a comprehensive, long-distance, passenger and freight rail network, with seamless connections to other modes of transportation throughout the Greater Northwest will create significant benefits to the region’s economy, environment and equity.
Empire Builder Advocates
Learn about the Empire Builder, how to ride it, why the it is important, and how you can support its continued operation.
Mississippi
Missouri
Citizens for Modern Transit
Improving the quality of life in the St. Louis region through alternative means of transport
Montana
All Aboard Northwest
All Aboard Northwest (AANW) is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit public policy advocacy and action organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Greater Northwest region, extending from the Great Lakes to the Pacific Northwest: Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Washington and Oregon. AANW believes that a comprehensive, long-distance, passenger and freight rail network, with seamless connections to other modes of transportation throughout the Greater Northwest will create significant benefits to the region’s economy, environment and equity.
Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority
The purpose of regional rail authorities in Montana is to preserve and improve abandoned rail service for agriculture, industry or passenger traffic and to preserve the abandoned railroad right-of-way for future transportation uses, when determined to be practicable and necessary for the public welfare.
Empire Builder Advocates
Learn about the Empire Builder, how to ride it, why the it is important, and how you can support its continued operation.
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
Delaware Valley Association of Railroad Passengers
Southeastern Pennsylvania/Central New Jersey
Lackawanna Coalition
Focuses on issues related to New Jersey Transit's Morris & Essex lines (e.g. schedule enhancements and station improvements).
Penn Jersey Rail Coalition
Working to restore New York City-Scranton service
Tri-State Transportation Campaign
Supporting transportation reform in the New York/New Jersey/Connecticut metro area.
New Mexico
New York
Empire State Passengers Association
New York State
Penn Jersey Rail Coalition
Working to restore New York City-Scranton service
Straphangers' Campaign
Transit users' group in New York City, project of the New York Public Interest Research Group
The Train Campaign
Working to restore restore passenger rail service between New York City, northwestern Connecticut, and western Massachusetts.
Transportation Alternatives
A local group in New York City whose primary focus is bicycle use, but which works in a broader context of less automobile use, more transit use, and better pedestrian facilities
Tri-State Transportation Campaign
Supporting transportation reform in the New York/New Jersey/Connecticut metro area.
Village Crosstown Trolley Coalition
Organized by neighborhood residents to develop plans and community support for a trolley line linking the East Village, West Village and Greenwich Village.
North Carolina
North Carolina On Track
North Carolina On Track (NCOT*) is an initiative of the Carolinas Association for Passenger Trains (CAPT) to promote existing and future NCDOT Amtrak services to support individual mobility and local and regional economic development across the state.
North Dakota
All Aboard Northwest
All Aboard Northwest (AANW) is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit public policy advocacy and action organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Greater Northwest region, extending from the Great Lakes to the Pacific Northwest: Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Washington and Oregon. AANW believes that a comprehensive, long-distance, passenger and freight rail network, with seamless connections to other modes of transportation throughout the Greater Northwest will create significant benefits to the region’s economy, environment and equity.
Empire Builder Advocates
Learn about the Empire Builder, how to ride it, why the it is important, and how you can support its continued operation.
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
All Aboard Northwest
All Aboard Northwest (AANW) is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit public policy advocacy and action organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Greater Northwest region, extending from the Great Lakes to the Pacific Northwest: Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Washington and Oregon. AANW believes that a comprehensive, long-distance, passenger and freight rail network, with seamless connections to other modes of transportation throughout the Greater Northwest will create significant benefits to the region’s economy, environment and equity.
Pennsylvania
Delaware Valley Association of Railroad Passengers
Southeastern Pennsylvania/Central New Jersey
Penn Jersey Rail Coalition
Working to restore New York City-Scranton service
Pennsylvanians for Transit
We seek sustainable Pennsylvania funding for transit and advocate for service improvements to make transit more efficient.
Scranton Rail Restoration Coalition
We are a grassroots group working to bring passenger rail back to Northeastern Pennsylvania through Amtrak service between Scranton, Allentown, and Philadelphia; Amtrak service between Binghamton and Scranton; and restoring the Lackawanna Cut-off up to Scranton
Western Pennsylvanians for Passenger Rail
Based in Pittsburgh
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
All Aboard Northwest
All Aboard Northwest (AANW) is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit public policy advocacy and action organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Greater Northwest region, extending from the Great Lakes to the Pacific Northwest: Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Washington and Oregon. AANW believes that a comprehensive, long-distance, passenger and freight rail network, with seamless connections to other modes of transportation throughout the Greater Northwest will create significant benefits to the region’s economy, environment and equity.
Tennessee
Texas
Light Rail Now!
Grassroots group promoting future light rail service in Austin
Utah
All Aboard Northwest
All Aboard Northwest (AANW) is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit public policy advocacy and action organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Greater Northwest region, extending from the Great Lakes to the Pacific Northwest: Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Washington and Oregon. AANW believes that a comprehensive, long-distance, passenger and freight rail network, with seamless connections to other modes of transportation throughout the Greater Northwest will create significant benefits to the region’s economy, environment and equity.
Utah Rail Passengers Association
The Utah Rail Passengers Association works to promote the broader diversity of transportation options for residents of and visitors to Utah by educating citizens and policy makers about available transportation options. Our organization seeks funders, volunteers, and others interested parties to help us connect Utahns across miles and geographies in a more cohesive and sustainable way.
Vermont
Virginia
TransDominion Express
Information on proposed intercity passenger rail service from Bristol to Roanoke, Lynchburg, and Washington/Richmond
Washington
All Aboard Northwest
All Aboard Northwest (AANW) is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit public policy advocacy and action organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Greater Northwest region, extending from the Great Lakes to the Pacific Northwest: Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Washington and Oregon. AANW believes that a comprehensive, long-distance, passenger and freight rail network, with seamless connections to other modes of transportation throughout the Greater Northwest will create significant benefits to the region’s economy, environment and equity.
Empire Builder Advocates
Learn about the Empire Builder, how to ride it, why the it is important, and how you can support its continued operation.
West Virginia
Wisconsin
All Aboard Northwest
All Aboard Northwest (AANW) is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit public policy advocacy and action organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Greater Northwest region, extending from the Great Lakes to the Pacific Northwest: Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Washington and Oregon. AANW believes that a comprehensive, long-distance, passenger and freight rail network, with seamless connections to other modes of transportation throughout the Greater Northwest will create significant benefits to the region’s economy, environment and equity.
Empire Builder Advocates
Learn about the Empire Builder, how to ride it, why the it is important, and how you can support its continued operation.
KenRail
Kenosha/Racine
ProRail
Madison
Wyoming
All Aboard Northwest
All Aboard Northwest (AANW) is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit public policy advocacy and action organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Greater Northwest region, extending from the Great Lakes to the Pacific Northwest: Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Washington and Oregon. AANW believes that a comprehensive, long-distance, passenger and freight rail network, with seamless connections to other modes of transportation throughout the Greater Northwest will create significant benefits to the region’s economy, environment and equity.
US National orgs
Carbusters
International organization promoting alternatives to "car culture," including mass transit and rail
Center for Neighborhood Technology
A group located in Chicago concerned about sustainable transportation policy, including rail, with many other resources
Center for Transportation Excellence
A non-partisan policy research center that includes rebuttal information about common criticisms of rail transit
Community Transportation Association of America
A non-profit organization whose members are dedicated to mobility for all people, advocating affordable and accessible community transportation. Publishers of RAIL Magazine
Culture Change
Highlighting issues surrounding peak oil and conservation
Environmental Law and Policy Center
A Midwestern public interest environmental advocacy organization working to achieve cleaner energy resources and implement sustainable energy strategies, promote innovative and efficient transportation and land use approaches - including high-speed rail
Friends of Amtrak
Internet effort to support continued Amtrak funding, by Craig S. O'Connell.
High Speed Rail Association
A growing community working to bring the game-changing power of fast, frequent and affordable trains to North America.
National Corridors Initiative
Business, environmental, government, academic leaders advancing rail-corridor development as economic development, congestion mitigation, and environmental tools; linking those corridors into a network that maintains a true national rail system a high priority
OneRail Coalition
A coalition of freight, passenger, transit, environmental and labor groups, OneRail advocates for increased investment in the nation's railroad infrastructure to ensure our continued mobility, economic competitiveness and job creation, as well as to meet the energy and climate challenges of the 21st century
Rail Users Network
Representing long-distance, commuter and transit riders.
States for Passenger Rail Coalition
Organization representing state departments of transportation that seek to grow and improve the passenger train network with federal and state support.
Surface Transportation Policy Project
STPP wants intercity and local rail to have a strong presence in transportation public policy.
Travelers United
Organization fighting for all travelers across modes for consumer rights.
US High Speed Rail Association
Organization focused on advancing a state-of-the-art national high-speed rail network across the country.
Victoria Transport Policy Institute
A research organization in Canada but which writes frequently about US transportation issues
Canada
High Speed Rail Canada
National citizens' advocacy group
Transport 2000
National group for users of public transportation in Canada, including rail and transit
Germany
Pro Bahn
Organization of German rail passengers
Ireland
Rail Users Ireland
Organization representing thousands of rail users across all 26 counties in the Republic of Ireland, working for improved infrastructure and service.
Switzerland
Pro-Bahn Schweiz
ProRail Switzerland representing train and transit passengers in Switzerland
Verkehrs-Club der Schweiz (VCS)
Traffic Club of Switzerland promoting sustainable transportation in Switzerland, including walking, cycling and public transit, supporting "an optimal combination of different transport modes."
United Kingdom
Railfuture
Independent campaign for a better passenger and freight rail network in the United Kingdom.
Industry
Alstom
Supplier of propulsion systems for Amtrak high-speed Acela Express, and other products
American Passenger Rail Coalition
APRC represents railroad equipment suppliers and rail businesses working together for a better and safer passenger rail system
Bombardier
Manufacturer of many kinds of rail equipment, including Horizon cars, Superliner II's, and Acela Express for Amtrak
GE Transportation Systems
Builder of Amtrak's P-32 and P-42 diesel locomotives
Operation Lifesaver Inc.
A nationwide, non-profit public information program dedicated to reducing collisions, injuries and fatalities at highway-rail crossings and on railroad rights-of-way; site has news reports, educational materials, statistics, safety tips, upcoming events, and information on how to get involved
Railway Supply Institute
Trade group representing rail industry supply businesses
Railway Technology
Web site for the international rail transport industry; with news on current projects and developments, an equipment, products and services guide, exhibition and conference listings, an industry associations directory, as well as a comprehensive links page to relevant rail transportation resources.
Siemens Transportation Systems
International manufacturing concern, leading supplier of light rail cars in North America with assembly plants in Carson and Sacramento, Cal.
Talgo
Manufacturer of tilt trains used in Pacific Northwest Amtrak service
Labor
American Train Dispatchers Association
Dispatch trains over both Amtrak and most host railroads
Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen
Represents Amtrak engineers
Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees
Maintain tracks nationwide, both Amtrak and host railroads
Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen
Maintain the signals systems, both Amtrak and host railroads
Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees Union
Staff Amtrak trains onboard services
International Association of Machinists
Maintain Amtrak's locomotives
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
Maintain locomotives and cars electrical systems
Railroad Workers United
Work in various crafts on all rail carriers
SMART - Mechanical
Rebuild and maintain Amtrak rail cars
SMART - Transportation Division
Representing Amtrak's conductors
The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers
Work in Amtrak shops
Transport Workers Union of America
Staff Amtrak trains onboard services
Transportation Communications International Union
Ticket Agents and station services; some onboard services
Transportation Trades Division of the AFL-CIO
Blanket organization whose subdivisions represent a vast majority of Amtrak workers
"On behalf of Amtrak’s onboard service staff, I want to thank the Rail Passengers Association for honoring their hard work with this award. The past couple years have indeed been difficult for Amtrak onboard service staff – coping with furloughs and job insecurity, adapting to changing protocols and services, not to mention the unfortunate events such as a tragic derailment and a fatal shooting. Nevertheless, our dedicated members at Amtrak have handled these hurdles with the care, attention and diligence for which they’re known. We thank Rail Passengers for their acknowledgement of our members’ hard work and, as always, look forward to seeing you on the rails."
Arthur Maratea, TCU/IAM National President
December 21, 2021, on the Association awarding its 2021 Golden Spike Award to the Frontline Amtrak Employees.