Politico - The Trump administration’s fiscal 2027 budget request included some “interesting tidbits” according to a DOT breakdown of proposed funding for the secretary’s office:

• DOT wants to consolidate its subagencies’ public and government affairs “functions” into OST’s respective offices. It also wants to do this for civil rights operations, though the FAA, inspector general and Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation would be excluded.

• And DOT says that activities funded via a university research grant program, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics and what’s known as TIFIA credit assistance are dependent on the upcoming highway bill. “While many core programs previously funded through prior reauthorizations may continue, exact funding amounts, eligibilities, and requirements are all subject to change,” the department says.

INNOTRANS IS JUST FIVE MONTHS AWAY

…and the Commuter Rail Coalition will once again be facilitating an itinerary to maximize the Berlin experience. If you are curious about what the largest rail show in the world has to offer make plans to join CRC, the InnoTrans team, and DB E.C.O. for an informational webinar next month. Signal your interest in the CRC’s InnoTrans delegation HERE and then make plans to join us in Berlin September 22 – 25.

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 personal engagement in CRC activities by the May 1 deadline.

HIGHWAY FUND NEARS CRISIS

With the Highway Trust Fund projected to run dry by 2028, lawmakers are weighing new ways to shore up federal transportation funding and electric vehicles are in focus. An EV registration fee is emerging as a leading option in the next surface transportation reauthorization bill.

Key Republicans, including Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chair Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Chair Sam Graves (R-MO), have signaled support for the idea, arguing that EV drivers should contribute to road maintenance just as gas-powered vehicle owners do through fuel taxes.

The urgency stems from decades of stagnation: the federal gas tax hasn’t been raised since 1993, while improved fuel efficiency and rising EV adoption have steadily eroded revenue. The Congressional Budget Office estimates at least $150 billion will be needed to sustain current spending levels in the next bill.

More comprehensive fixes like a vehicle miles traveled (VMT) system or increasing the gas tax remain politically unviable for now. That leaves policymakers searching for simpler, near-term solutions, with EV fees at the top of the list. While such fees could help stabilize funding, they are unlikely to fully close the gap, highlighting the growing mismatch between how roads are funded and how Americans drive.

DON’T MISS AON’S 2026 VIRTUAL RAIL AND TRANSIT ROUNDTABLE

April 15, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. ET (US)

As rail and transit organizations navigate an increasingly complex risk landscape shaped by evolving security threats, cyber exposure, and heightened operational pressures, leaders are being asked to make faster, more informed decisions than ever before. This year’s Global Virtual Rail and Transit Roundtable brings together industry experts to discuss the most pressing risk considerations facing rail and transit organizations today.

Join Aon for a timely and engaging discussion focused on practical insights and real‑world perspectives to support informed decision‑making.

Agenda Highlights 

Moderated by Otis Tolbert, Global Rail and Transit Practice Leader at Aon 

• Managing Active Assailant and Terrorism Risks | James Lucas, Executive Director, Aon War & Terrorism Risks | A discussion on the evolving threat landscape, preparedness strategies, and key considerations for protecting people, assets, and operations.

• Cyber Gap Analysis Discussion | Nick Jennings, Vice President, Aon Cyber Solutions | An overview of common cyber risk gaps within rail and transit organizations, and how leaders can better assess and strengthen cyber resilience.

This session is designed to provide actionable insights and meaningful dialogue to help rail and transit leaders navigate today’s risk environment with greater clarity and confidence.

WHAT WE’RE READING

• Hitachi Rail to acquire Clever Devices (Mass Transit)

• State says it has reached tentative agreements that could build Denver to Boulder passenger train (CPR News)

• Minnesota’s Northstar commuter trains roll again — in Texas (Minneapolis Star Tribune)

• Securing the Future: How Infrastructure Investments Keep America Moving (U.S. Chamber of Commerce)

• BNSF, Metra reach new 10-year agreement for passenger service (BNSF Railway)

• RTD faces ‘make or break’ moment as CEO Debra Johnson announces departure (Denverite)

• Long Island Rail Road Strike Looms, as M.T.A. and Unions Reach Impasse (The New York Times)