• House T&I Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) has told Politico that he’s targeting April 29 for a committee markup of the next surface transportation bill — and he’s negotiating a topline number between $500 billion and $550 billion. Graves said he’s still talking it through with Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Wash.), the committee’s ranking member; a spokesperson for Larsen confirmed he wants a higher figure.

CRC BOARD: CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

When the Coalition membership meets again June 30, elections will be held to fill two seats on the association’s board of directors. Candidates interested in serving on the association board are invited to self-nominate by May 1.

The CRC board of directors is comprised of 12 individuals, including the association’s immediate past chair. Each individual on the board is elected for a two-year term and is eligible to serve two terms in any one seat. In 2026, two at-large seats are up for re-election.

To self-nominate, submit a CV along with a comprehensive list of your personal engagement in CRC activities by the May 1 deadline.

Join CRC at 2 p.m. eastern Tuesday, May 12, to learn about the largest rail show in the world – InnoTrans – and how being part of the CRC’s delegation can maximize the return on your investment of time and travel. 

Speakers include InnoTrans director Kerstin Schulz, CRC CEO KellyAnne Gallagher, and more.

The 30th edition of InnoTrans takes place in Berlin September 22-25.

RSVP here for the webinar link and read more about the show here.

METROLINK GOES FARE-FREE FOR EARTH DAY, APRIL 22

Metrolink, Southern California’s regional passenger rail provider, will once again celebrate Earth Day by offering free rides systemwide on Wednesday, April 22. Riders can travel on any train line, including the Arrow service, with no ticket required: simply step aboard and go.

“Earth Day is a reminder that small changes, like choosing public transit over driving one day a week, can have a meaningful impact on our environment,” Metrolink Board Chair Doug Chaffee said. “As high gas prices continue to put a strain on communities across the region, we encourage Southern Californians to ride for free on April 22 and discover the ease of climbing aboard one of our trains to get where they’re going.”

Metrolink is one of several transit providers in the region waiving fares on Earth Day. Riders can connect for free to numerous local services across Metrolink’s six-county service area, including those operated by LA Metro and the Orange County Transportation Authority, Riverside County Transportation Commission, San Bernardino County Transportation Authority and Ventura County Transportation Commission.

FRA CYBERSECURITY ALERT

FRA’s Cybersecurity Safety Alert 2026-03 addresses the current targeting of internet-facing operational technology devices in the rail environment.  

As with previous Cybersecurity safety Alerts FRA has issued, this Alert advises the industry of a cyber vulnerability that may impact the safety of railroad operating technology. As such, the alert will not be posted on the FRA’s public website. 

If you have any questions regarding the alert please contact FRA's lead for operating technology cybersecurity, Jen Gallagher at jennifer.gallagher@dot.gov.

USDOT WEBINAR: DEFENSE AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Join the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) for a webinar series to prepare transportation entities to prevent and address human trafficking in advance of major sporting events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup™. Transportation systems in host cities serve as the backbone of mobility during major sporting events, moving millions of spectators, workers, and visitors. Increased travel, hospitality demands, and temporary workforces can heighten vulnerabilities to both labor and sex trafficking. Whether on roadways, railways, airways, or waterways, transportation entities are uniquely positioned at points of transit, transfer, and arrival to report suspected human trafficking. These webinars will provide a practical readiness framework that strengthens leadership commitment, policy alignment, cross-sector partnerships, workforce preparedness, responsible data practices, and a survivor-informed response so transportation systems are prepared before kickoff and remain vigilant long after the final whistle. 

Webinar Dates

• April 23, 2026 | 2:00 - 4:00pm EDT

• April 30, 2026 | 2:00 - 4:00pm EDT

Who Should Attend 

• State and local transportation authorities, operators, and industry associations 

• Transportation executives and senior leaders 

• Safety, security, and operations personnel 

• Event mobility planners

REGISTER HERE

WHAT WE’RE READING

• 5 policy principles that will be key to next surface transportation bill (Smart Cities Dive)

• NJ Transit receives first of 374 multilevel III rail cars (Mass Transit)

• ‘Riding the Rails’: WTTW unveils the mystery, history and romance of the region’s trains (Daily Herald)

• BNSF, state reach tentative deal to end 22-year wait for rail service to northern Colorado (The Colorado Sun)

• The public transit industry’s playbook for the next surface transportation reauthorization bill (Mass Transit)

• NJ Transit’s $48 million World Cup bill should be paid by FIFA, governor says (TransitTalent)

• SEPTA will keep $2.90 fare for World Cup transit rides. Boston is charging $80 (TransitTalent)

• Houston Metro won't raise prices for World Cup, unlike other cities. Here's why (TransitTalent)