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If you have ever wondered what happened to our once-great passenger rail system—or how the U.S. became so car-dependent that many Americans today ride trains for the first time when they travel abroad—then this episode is for you.

With the help of our truly brilliant guests, we piece together a story that absolutely must be understood today, as we strive to create a transportation system that works for all of us, without polluting communities and the environment.

Our guests in this episode include three book authors, two board members for the country’s largest passenger rail advocacy group, a railroad industry veteran, and an award-winning policy analyst. We are so grateful to each and every person who took the time to share their voice and expertise with us.

Reconnect America is hosted by Bill Moyer, co-author of the book Solutionary Rail: A People-powered Campaign to Electrify America’s Railroads and Open Corridors to a Clean Energy Future. Check out the essays and supplemental posts that complement this podcast HERE.

Learn more, get involved and pitch in to support the work of Solutionary Rail at SolutionaryRail.org. Keep the podcast ads-free and without paywalls by making a tax-deductible donation HERE.

Mentioned:

Phillip Longman’s article: “Train Drain: How deregulation and private equity have gutted the U.S. freight rail system—and with it, the promise of America’s industrial renewal”

David Alff’s book: The Northeast Corridor: The Trains, the People, the History, the Region

(Code: “UCPNEW” for 30% off)

Co-written and produced by Bill Moyer and Sasha Elenko. Engineering by August Moore. Musical theme by Ken Jacobsen and additional music by Ota Prota