Jim Mathews on the US passenger rail renaissance and the future of travel
24/10/2025
Jim Mathews, President and CEO of the Rail Passengers Association, will discuss the resurgence of passenger rail in America, the evolving expectations of travellers, and the role of investment, design, and policy in shaping the future.
At this year’s Rail Interiors Show, Jim Mathews, President and CEO of the Rail Passengers Association (RPA) in the US, will discuss the resurgence of passenger rail in America, the evolving expectations of travellers, and the role of investment, design, and policy in shaping the future.
Speaking with Rail Interiors ahead of the event, he reflected on the past six years of growth, the impact of federal funding, and what lies ahead for passengers and communities.
You describe the past six years as a renaissance for passenger rail in the United States. What do you see as the defining factors behind this resurgence and how resilient is that progress given the policy shifts under the Trump administration?
“The driving force is certainly increased funding, particularly the $66 billion in the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law — the largest investment in US passenger rail history,” Mathews explained. “But it’s more than money. Nearly 20 years of grassroots advocacy laid the foundation. We were meeting local politicians, attending town halls, and helping communities understand that trains aren’t just nostalgic, they’re economic engines. Once local leaders saw the benefits, momentum grew."
He added that political shifts can create uncertainty.
“If Congress changes hands, progress could stall, and federal priorities might shift. Under the Trump administration, grants were delayed or cancelled, slowing projects. Yet the foundation built by communities and passengers makes this resurgence resilient. People are seeing the value in rail, and that support is unlikely to vanish.”
Federal funding has been pivotal in jump-starting many projects. From your vantage point in Washington, how effectively is that investment being translated into tangible improvements for passengers in areas like comfort, accessibility, and onboard experience?
“Even with older equipment, the impact is visible,” Mathews said. “Take the Mardi Gras train between New Orleans and Mobile, it tripled ridership forecasts in just two months. Local restaurants and hotels along the route are thriving because of new passengers. Passengers are experiencing meaningful improvements, and this proves that investment is working.”
You’ve highlighted the gap between what passengers want and what policy tends to deliver. Under the Trump Administration, do you anticipate that gap widening or narrowing, and how could passenger advocates influence that trajectory?
“Policy shifts can create gridlock,” he said. “But passenger advocates are essential. By showing the economic and social benefits of rail, and by engaging directly with policymakers, advocates help ensure passenger priorities remain central. Seeing real results in communities is powerful and helps sustain support even when federal policy slows down.”
At the Rail Interiors Show, you will be surrounded by global suppliers and designers shaping the next generation of rolling stock interiors. What lessons or technologies from the international rail community do you think could be most transformative for US passenger rail?
“Interior experience is critical,” Mathews explained. “With new train sets like the Amtrak Airo equipment coming online, Americans will ride modern, functional trains for the first time in decades. Comfort, accessibility, and connectivity will directly influence ridership growth and public perception.
Seeing modern European-style trains and stations is eye-opening. Experiencing efficient layouts, integrated connectivity, and passenger-focused design first-hand helps inform US projects. Seeing it in action creates political and public support for similar investments back home.”
Looking five years down the line, what is your outlook for the American rail passenger? And how might policy, design, and public expectation intersect to define the next chapter of rail travel in the US?
“In five years, we will see new infrastructure, modern train sets, and updated stations,” he said. “Passengers will experience real service improvements, communities will benefit economically, and public demand for rail will grow. Policy, design, and passenger expectations are converging to create a sustainable, passenger-focused future. If this momentum continues, the US will finally realise the full potential of its passenger rail renaissance.”
Jim Mathews will speak at the Rail Interiors Show in November, joining industry leaders to discuss the future of US passenger rail, investment, and the evolving onboard experience. Book your free delegate pass today by clicking here.
Speaking with Rail Interiors ahead of the event, he reflected on the past six years of growth, the impact of federal funding, and what lies ahead for passengers and communities.
You describe the past six years as a renaissance for passenger rail in the United States. What do you see as the defining factors behind this resurgence and how resilient is that progress given the policy shifts under the Trump administration?
“The driving force is certainly increased funding, particularly the $66 billion in the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law — the largest investment in US passenger rail history,” Mathews explained. “But it’s more than money. Nearly 20 years of grassroots advocacy laid the foundation. We were meeting local politicians, attending town halls, and helping communities understand that trains aren’t just nostalgic, they’re economic engines. Once local leaders saw the benefits, momentum grew."
He added that political shifts can create uncertainty.
“If Congress changes hands, progress could stall, and federal priorities might shift. Under the Trump administration, grants were delayed or cancelled, slowing projects. Yet the foundation built by communities and passengers makes this resurgence resilient. People are seeing the value in rail, and that support is unlikely to vanish.”
Federal funding has been pivotal in jump-starting many projects. From your vantage point in Washington, how effectively is that investment being translated into tangible improvements for passengers in areas like comfort, accessibility, and onboard experience?
“Even with older equipment, the impact is visible,” Mathews said. “Take the Mardi Gras train between New Orleans and Mobile, it tripled ridership forecasts in just two months. Local restaurants and hotels along the route are thriving because of new passengers. Passengers are experiencing meaningful improvements, and this proves that investment is working.”
You’ve highlighted the gap between what passengers want and what policy tends to deliver. Under the Trump Administration, do you anticipate that gap widening or narrowing, and how could passenger advocates influence that trajectory?
“Policy shifts can create gridlock,” he said. “But passenger advocates are essential. By showing the economic and social benefits of rail, and by engaging directly with policymakers, advocates help ensure passenger priorities remain central. Seeing real results in communities is powerful and helps sustain support even when federal policy slows down.”
At the Rail Interiors Show, you will be surrounded by global suppliers and designers shaping the next generation of rolling stock interiors. What lessons or technologies from the international rail community do you think could be most transformative for US passenger rail?
“Interior experience is critical,” Mathews explained. “With new train sets like the Amtrak Airo equipment coming online, Americans will ride modern, functional trains for the first time in decades. Comfort, accessibility, and connectivity will directly influence ridership growth and public perception.
Seeing modern European-style trains and stations is eye-opening. Experiencing efficient layouts, integrated connectivity, and passenger-focused design first-hand helps inform US projects. Seeing it in action creates political and public support for similar investments back home.”
Looking five years down the line, what is your outlook for the American rail passenger? And how might policy, design, and public expectation intersect to define the next chapter of rail travel in the US?
“In five years, we will see new infrastructure, modern train sets, and updated stations,” he said. “Passengers will experience real service improvements, communities will benefit economically, and public demand for rail will grow. Policy, design, and passenger expectations are converging to create a sustainable, passenger-focused future. If this momentum continues, the US will finally realise the full potential of its passenger rail renaissance.”
Jim Mathews will speak at the Rail Interiors Show in November, joining industry leaders to discuss the future of US passenger rail, investment, and the evolving onboard experience. Book your free delegate pass today by clicking here.