The rate of railroad accidents rose by 28% between 2013 and 2022. At Norfolk Southern, the accident rate rose by a whopping 128%. More than 50,000 railroad workers—nearly 30 percent of the total workforce—have been laid off since 2015. All while six mega-corporations concerned about short-term profits control 70% of all track miles in the United States.

No wonder many Americans think the system is broken.

“Putting America Back on Track: The Case for a 21st Century Public Rail System,” a new white paper published by the Public Rail Now campaign and Railroad Workers United, offers a solution: Give railroads back to the public.

Author Maddock Thomas will highlight key findings from the report and demonstrate the viability of a public rail system during a one-hour webinar at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17. Members of the Public Rail Now campaign will provide the arguments, evidence, and proposals needed to advocate for a rail system that can meet our 21st century transportation needs.

Video: Karl "Fritz" Edler, International Special Representative, Railroad Workers United (RWU) speaks to La Coalition Rail Safety Campaign members about the case for putting our railroads back in public hands.

Public Domain: Public Rail Now campaign and Railroad Workers United