New Rail Bill Extends Federal Passenger Rail Funding Authorization to 2032

The “Rail Improvement Design and Expansion for Faster Advanced State Transportation Act”—or the RIDE FAST Act—is short and to the point. It focuses on keeping the money flowing for intercity passenger rail projects by extending the authorization for federal funding.

Keeping the Trains on Track

What this bill does is essentially hit the snooze button on a major funding deadline set by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Right now, the authorization for Congress to appropriate funds for intercity passenger rail grants is set to expire in 2026 (Section 22106(a) of the IIJA). The RIDE FAST Act moves that expiration date out to 2032. That’s an extra six years of runway for states and rail operators to plan, secure funding, and execute major infrastructure projects.

The Real-World Impact of a Deadline Extension

Why does pushing a funding deadline matter to someone who commutes or runs a business? Because infrastructure projects—especially rail—don’t happen overnight. They require years of planning, environmental review, and securing matching funds. If the authorization was set to expire in 2026, many states would be hesitant to start massive, multi-year projects right now, knowing the federal funding pipeline could dry up before the project is done.

This extension provides what planners crave most: stability. For example, if a state wants to upgrade a major corridor—say, adding a second track or electrifying a line—they can now confidently plan for a project that might take until 2030 to complete, knowing the federal money is still authorized to be there. This means more consistent work for construction crews and engineering firms, and eventually, better service for passengers.

Who Benefits from the Long View?

The primary beneficiaries are the rail operators, state departments of transportation, and the travelers who rely on intercity rail. The longer-term funding certainty allows for bigger, more transformative projects rather than just maintenance. Think high-speed rail proposals or major connectivity projects that link metro areas—those need a decade-long view.

However, it’s worth noting that while this bill only authorizes the ability to spend money—it doesn't actually appropriate the cash—it does signal a continued commitment to rail. This means that other infrastructure sectors, like highways or ports, might face continued competition for discretionary federal funding as rail remains a priority through 2032. For the average taxpayer, this bill simply keeps the existing commitment to passenger rail infrastructure alive, ensuring that the investments started under the IIJA have the time needed to see real results.