For many years, candidates running for political office ignored transportation policy in general and railroads in particular. That started to change a few years ago. This year, the several of the Democratic candidates offered more detailed ideas for transportation in their issue states. A few even specifically mentioned railroads.

Mayor Pete Buttigieg has the following in his Infrastructure issues statement:

Improve the connectivity and safety of our national rail network. Railroads not only move passengers and freight quickly and efficiently but are also cost-effective and environmentally friendly. To improve existing service and pursue innovative systems like high-speed rail that can transform communities, Pete will encourage cities and regions to adopt a building block approach by expanding service for city pairs, as well as rural towns between these cities. He will double funding for the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Program and Restoration and Enhancement Grants Program. By 2023, all of the nation’s rail systems will implement Positive Train Control technology to prevent rail fatalities. The vast majority of train systems have failed to adopt this system today, despite Congressionally mandated implementation by 2015.Pete will also improve collaboration between Amtrak and the freight railroads, so that passenger trains do not interfere with freight operations, and freight railroads deliver the priority treatment to passenger trains that our existing laws require.

The following is a link to Buttigieg's Infrastructure position paper with the above statement and additional urban and rural transportation proposals.

[resources.peteforamerica.com]

It was also interesting to note that Buttigieg's book, Shortest Way Home, had a photo of a freight train passing through South Bend, IN on the rear cover.

Unfortunately, earlier today, Buttigieg announced that he would be ceasing his campaign.