Broad-Based Collaboration Essential to Rail Project Delivery
6/30/2026
Federal transportation officials emphasized safety, streamlined project delivery, innovation, and stable long-term funding as the key priorities shaping federal rail policy and the next surface transportation authorization during a panel discussion at the 2026 APTA Rail Conference. They also highlighted the importance of continued collaboration with APTA and the transit industry to improve grant programs, modernize infrastructure, and prepare U.S. rail systems for future growth.
Moderated by APTA Chair Leanne Redden, executive director, Chicago Regional Transportation Authority, the discussion featured Jamie Pfister, acting executive director, FTA; Mark Patterson, associate administrator, FRA Office of Research, Data, and Innovation; and Juli Huynh, director of policy, USDOT Office of the Secretary. Redden framed the conversation around federal priorities, regulatory reforms, and the policies that will shape the next surface transportation authorization.
Huynh said her department’s work is guided by its FY26-30 Strategic Plan, which focuses on four pillars: safety, infrastructure, innovation, and efficiency. “Safety, needless to say, is our number one top priority,” she said, citing efforts to improve rail and grade crossing safety, accelerate infrastructure delivery, expand innovative financing tools, encourage new technologies, and increase transparency and accountability. She noted the launch of USDOT’s new robotics initiative and emphasized that U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy recognizes the importance of “stable, predictable long-term funding” as Congress develops the next surface transportation authorization. Huynh also said the department continues to work closely with Congress by providing technical assistance and supporting efforts to streamline project delivery and environmental reviews.
Patterson highlighted FRA’s dual mission of railroad safety and development, noting that the agency awarded more than $13 billion in financial assistance last year for infrastructure improvements that enhance both safety and operational efficiency. He pointed to ongoing investments at New York Penn Station and Washington Union Station, as well as the Railroad Crossing Elimination and CRISI grant programs. Patterson also reported encouraging safety trends, including a 16 percent decline in train accidents and a 4.1 percent reduction in serious injuries from 2024 to 2025. Looking ahead, he said FRA is focused on modernizing regulations, supporting emerging technologies, and shortening the time between grant awards and funding obligations. “We’re trying to identify the places where we can make improvements in the whole entire process” to deliver projects more quickly, he said.
Pfister said FTA continues to advance the Administration’s priorities while helping transit agencies deliver projects and improve service during the final months of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. He highlighted upcoming accessibility and rail vehicle replacement grants, efforts to strengthen transit asset management, new performance measurement initiatives, and expanded public data visualizations. FTA is also developing new tools, templates, videos, and other resources to simplify grant administration and environmental reviews. “We’re doing everything within our control to help you advance services in your communities and projects,” Pfister said. He also praised APTA’s advocacy efforts, saying the association’s unified voice has helped inform federal discussions on reauthorization.
The panel also discussed federal support for host cities during the 2026 World Cup, with officials praising the extensive coordination among federal agencies, transit providers, local governments, and event organizers. Huynh described the effort as “a true collaboration all across the entities to make things work,” while Pfister said the partnerships and lessons learned will benefit future international events, including the Olympics, as public transportation continues to play a central role in moving millions of visitors safely and efficiently.
Closing the discussion, all three officials stressed that continued collaboration between federal agencies and the public transportation industry will be essential to delivering projects faster, reducing administrative burdens, improving safety, and ensuring the next surface transportation authorization provides the policies and resources needed to meet growing mobility needs in the U.S.