Sen. Markey alongside Sen. Elizabeth Warren earlier this year.Photo: Madison Rogers/ WBZ NewsRadio
WASHINGTON D.C. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Senator Ed Markey introduced the All Aboard Act to his senate colleagues Tuesday.
The All Aboard Act would allocate $200 billion over five years toward building a high-speed rail network around the country, adding on to existing rail lines and electrifying some railyards.
"Americans not only want more trains, but trains that are faster, more reliable, more affordable and accessible to new communities across the country," Markey said.
Pennsylvania Representative Chris Deluzio is leading the All Aboard Act in the House of Representatives.
“The American people ought to have a rail system that is safe, gets folks quickly where they want to go, and keeps the economy moving—all while slashing road traffic,” Deluzio said in a press release.
Markey said the All Aboard Act would have a lasting effect on rail lines across the country, including in Massachusetts.
"We could expand train service across the Commonwealth without increasing dangerous pollutants in our air," Markey said.
The legislation would put the U.S. on a similar playing field as countries in Europe and Asia that already have high-speed rail systems.
According to the Environmental and Energy Study Institute, Japan's high-speed "bullet trains" can travel as fast as 200 miles per hour. China, France and Germany have comparable train networks.
Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Transportation approved $2.5 billion in private activity bonds for the Brightline West high-speed rail project. Trains on the new electric railway will travel over 186 miles per hour between Nevada and California, according to the DOT.
WBZ NewsRadio's Brooke McCarthy (@BrookeWBZ) reports.