Rail systems in the US include freight, passenger, commuter, and high-speed rail. Rail provides energy and transportation benefits compared to other modes. Passenger and freight rail ridership and usage have grown in recent decades but still represent a small portion of overall transportation. Expanding passenger and freight rail would support a smart energy strategy by providing more transportation choices, protecting against volatile energy prices, and keeping the economy competitive through greater efficiency compared to other modes like air and truck travel. Federal investment in transportation has prioritized highways over rail, and greater emphasis on rail in transportation plans and more stable funding is needed to expand passenger and freight rail further.

1. Passenger & Freight Rail = Less Energy & More Choices “All Aboard! Getting America Back on Rail”Webinar September 21, 2011 Deron Lovaas Federal Transportation Policy Director Natural Resources Defense Council

2. Rail Systems Class 1 Freight RR - Short line RR Commuter Rail - Amtrak Intercity Pass. Rail - High Speed Rail

8. Rail Trends Amtrak - 36% growth in ridership since 2000 Freight rail Class 1 – 13% growth in ton miles since 2000 Short Line – 12.1 M carloads shipped per year Commuter – Ridership growth 13% since 2000 U.S. Population Trends Projected growth + 130 million by 2050 Majority live in metros, more of the same projected

9. Energy + Rail Intercity rail is about 16 percent more energy-efficient than air travel on a per-passenger basis (and this can improve based on load factor and fleet renewal) Over 31 percent more efficient than cars(again, load factor and fleet renewal can widen the gap) Freight rail about 50% more energy efficient than trucks. Moving more freight and people by rail would Protect against volatile energy prices and Keep our economy competitive in world markets.[1] [1]Data source: Transportation Energy Data Book, Ed. 29, Oak Ridge Laboratory for the US Department of Energy

10. Federal Investment in Transportation 1949-2009(2009 Constant Dollars) (Source: FRA) $ Billions Fiscal Year

11. Expand support for freight and passenger rail Greater emphasis on benefit/cost across modes Integrate freight and passenger rail into state and metro transportation plans Provide stable and reliable funding for intercity passenger rail Provide a variety of financing tools to states Increase flexibility of state transportation funds to support rail Focus development patterns to support rail

12. Expanding Passenger and Freight Rail = Smart Energy Strategy Thank you Questions / Comments / Reactions? www.onerail.org www.nrdc.org