OneRail Survey: Americans Support Passenger Rail, Public Transit
Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor
Results of recent passenger and freight rail surveys demonstrate the need for federal policies and programs that promote a shift to rail, according to the OneRail Coalition.
A new survey conducted by ENGINE INSIGHTS on OneRail’s behalf finds that Americans continue to show “strong support” for rail travel. Of the 1,000 adults polled online from August 28-30:
• 75% agree that more trips should be shifted to passenger rail and public transit to address the impacts of transportation on climate change.
• A majority view public transit and passenger rail favorably (64% and 65%, respectively) after the pandemic—a rise from pre-pandemic levels for public transit (58%) and passenger rail (59%).
• Nearly half think more should be invested in public transit (47%) and passenger rail (46%).
• 81% support Congress providing more funding to address highway/rail grade crossing safety after learning that government statistics show that about 95% of all rail-related deaths involve drivers going through a crossing or a person on the tracks.
