The Trump administration has announced an investment of over two billion dollars to improve rail transport in the US.

The investments will support improvements to the train travel experience for American families, as well as safer, more efficient, and more reliable freight transport.

The Department of Transportation (USDOT) will support projects that:

• reduce congestion;

• stimulate growth in rail passenger numbers;

• improve regional rail infrastructure;

• develop safety programs to prevent unauthorized access to railways and reduce accidents, injuries, and fatalities.

Funds will be allocated on a competitive basis, and applicants are encouraged to submit eligible projects by June 22, 2026.

Funding is available through the 2025–2026 fiscal year budget.

Projects eligible for funding include investments in rail safety, infrastructure modernization, congestion reduction, and the development of passenger and freight transport, as well as improvements to level crossings and multimodal connections. Also targeted are programs for research, vocational training, regional planning, accident prevention, and the development of innovative solutions to increase the safety and efficiency of rail transport.

“Under President Trump’s leadership, America is building again. This administration is focused on improving passenger rail to help American families reach jobs, education, and healthcare, as well as on accelerating freight transport. At USDOT, we are focused on ushering in a Golden Age of American rail,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy.

The Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) program to improve U.S. rail transportation is carried out through the CRISI program, which focuses on projects that modernize passenger and freight rail transportation. Since 2017, CRISI has invested nearly $6 billion in developing safer rail infrastructure.

Under Secretary Duffy’s leadership, the new funding program criteria will prioritize safety, American families, workforce development, job quality, and the creation of prosperity.