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Markey Unveils New Passenger Rail Bill

A white man in a suit smiles in front of a wall with framed photos on it
Josh Landes
/
WAMC
Senator Ed Markey

Massachusetts U.S. Senator Ed Markey has announced a new $25 billion bill to expand passenger rail across the state and country.

The Building Rail Across Intercity Networks To Ride Around Interior of the Nation or “BRAIN TRAIN” Act calls for $5 billion dollars to be invested on railways between cities ever year for five years.

“Studies consistently show that expanding passenger rail improved mobility, enhances safety, promotes economic development, generates new jobs, and protects the environment,” said Markey.

Fellow Democrat Richard Neal of the 1st Massachusetts district will introduce companion legislation in the House of Representatives. Pittsfield Mayor Linda Tyer joined the two legislators to applaud the bill Friday.

Josh Landes has been WAMC's Berkshire Bureau Chief since February 2018, following stints at WBGO Newark and WFMU East Orange. A passionate advocate for Western Massachusetts, Landes was raised in Pittsfield and attended Hampshire College in Amherst, receiving his bachelor's in Ethnomusicology and Radio Production. His free time is spent with his cat Harry, experimental electronic music, and exploring the woods.
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