Summary: Division A: Rail Safety - Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 - (Sec. 3) Authorizes appropriations for FY2009-FY2013 for: (1) railroad safety; (2) the purchase of Gage Restraint Measurement System vehicles and track geometry vehicles or other comparable technology to assess track safety; and (3) construction of the Facility for Underground Rail Station and Tunnel at the Transportation Technology Center, Inc., in Pueblo, Colorado. Title I: Railroad Safety Improvements - (Sec. 101) Requires the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to: (1) make safety in railroad transportation the highest priority in carrying out its duties; and (2) have a Deputy Administrator and an Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety, who shall be the FRA's Chief Safety Officer. (Sec. 102) Directs the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to: (1) develop a long-term railroad strategy for improving railroad safety to cover at least five years; and (2) report annually to Congress on the FRA's performance in achieving its strategic goals and annual plans. (Sec. 103) Directs the Secretary to require each Class I railroad carrier, a railroad carrier that has inadequate safety performance, or a railroad that provides intercity passenger or commuter rail passenger transportation to develop, submit for Secretary approval, and if approved implement a railroad safety risk reduction program, including risk mitigation, technology implementation, and fatigue management plans, to reduce the rate of railroad accidents and injuries. Requires the Secretary to ensure that railroad carriers required to submit a technology implementation plan with a schedule for implementing a positive train control system comply with that schedule and implement such system by December 31, 2018. (Sec. 104) Requires each Class I railroad carrier and each entity providing intercity or commuter rail passenger transportation to develop and submit for Secretary approval a plan for implementing a positive train control system by December 31, 2015. Grants the Secretary authority to assess civil penalties for violation of related requirements. (Sec. 105) Directs the Secretary to establish a grant program for the deployment of certain train control and other railroad safety technologies, with priority to projects that focus on making technologies interoperable between railroad systems, accelerate train control technology deployment on high-risk corridors, or benefit both passenger and freight safety and efficiency. Authorizes appropriations for FY2009-FY2013. (Sec. 106) Directs the Secretary to report annually to Congress on the specific actions taken to implement unmet statutory railroad safety mandates and each open railroad safety recommendation made by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) or the Department of Transportation (DOT) Inspector General. (Sec. 107) Declares that no railroad safety rule or order issued by the Secretary shall be effective if it incorporates by reference a code, rule, standard, requirement, or practice issued by a nonfederal association or other entity, unless the date on which the code, rule, standard, requirement, or practice was adopted is specifically cited in the rule or order, or the code, rule, standard, requirement, or practice has been subject to notice and comment under a federal railroad safety rule or order. (Sec. 108) Revises the definition of a signal employee to eliminate the requirement that he or she be employed by a railroad carrier (thus including signal employees employed by contractors or subcontractors). Revises hours of service requirements for a train employee. Prohibits a railroad carrier, and its officers and agents, from requiring a train employee to remain or go on duty or be in any other mandatory service: (1) where the employee has spent in any calendar month a total of 276 hours on duty, or waiting for deadhead transportation (limbo time), or in deadhead transportation from a duty assignment, to a place of final release; (2) for more than 12 consecutive hours; or (3) unless the employee has had at least 10 consecutive (currently, eight consecutive) hours off duty during the previous 24 hours. Prohibits requiring or allowing such an employee to remain or go on duty after that employee has initiated an on-duty period each day for: (1) six consecutive days, unless the employee has had at least 48 consecutive hours off duty at the employee's home terminal; or (2) for seven consecutive days, if permitted by a collective bargaining agreement, unless the employee has had at least 72 consecutive hours of duty at a home terminal. Caps the total number of hours that a train employee may spend in limbo time, or in deadhead transportation from a duty assignment to the place of final release, following a 12-consecutive hour period on duty, that is neither time on duty nor time off duty, unless the train is delayed by an accident, a major equipment failure, or a delay resulting from a cause unknown and unforeseeable to a railroad carrier. Revises hours of service requirements for signal employees, including signal employees of contractors or subcontractors. Repeals the requirement that a signal employee have at least eight consecutive hours off duty during any 24 hour period. Makes 12 consecutive hours the maximum time on duty, unless the employee has had at least 10 consecutive hours off duty during the previous 24 hours.Prohibits a signal employee from being allowed to go on duty under certain emergency authority to conduct routine repairs, routine maintenance, or routine inspection of signal systems. Prohibits a railroad from communicating with a train or signal employee during time off duty, except to notify the employee of an emergency situation. Prescribes requirements for application of the hours of service regime to commuter and intercity passenger railroad train employees. Authorizes the Secretary to issue regulations that make certain additional changes to hours of service requirements in order to improve safety and reduce employee fatigue.Directs the Secretary to conduct at least two pilot projects to analyze specific practices which may be used to reduce fatigue for train, engine, and other railroad employees. (Sec. 109) Prohibits the Secretary from disclosing to the public any information obtained as part of a railroad's risk reduction program or pilot program, except to enforce or carry out federal law. Directs the Secretary to: (1) evaluate whether it is in the public interest, including public safety and the legal rights of persons injured in railroad accidents, to withhold from discovery or admission into evidence in a federal or state court proceeding for damages involving personal injury or wrongful death against a carrier any report or data compiled regarding a railroad safety risk reduction program required under this chapter; and (2) implement a rule addressing the results of the evaluation. (Sec. 110) Authorizes a railroad carrier or railroad carriers, and all nonprofit employee labor organizations representing any class or craft of directly affected covered service employees, to petition the Secretary of Transportation jointly for a waiver of the requirements of this title in order to enable establishment of one or more pilot projects to demonstrate the possible benefits of implementing alternatives to the strict application of such requirements, including those for maximum on-duty and minimum off-duty periods. Title II: Highway-Rail Grade Crossing and Pedestrian Safety and Trespasser Prevention - (Sec. 201) Requires the Secretary to issue guidance to passenger railroads on methods and strategies to prevent pedestrian accidents, injuries, and fatalities at or near passenger stations. (Sec. 202) Directs the Secretary to: (1) identify the 10 states that have had the most highway-rail grade crossing collisions, on average, over the past three years; and (2) require them to develop a state grade crossing action plan for the Secretary's approval that identifies specific solutions for improving safety at highway-rail grade crossings, particularly crossings that are at high risk for multiple accidents. (Sec. 203) Requires the Secretary to develop model legislation for states to improve safety by addressing sight obstructions at highway-rail grade crossings which have only passive warnings. (Sec. 204) Requires each railroad carrier and each state to report to the Secretary current information about previously unreported highway-rail grade crossings, with annual updates, for a national crossing inventory. Establishes civil penalties for violation of such requirements by a railroad carrier. (Sec. 205) Replaces the expired pilot demonstration program for emergency notification of grade crossing problems with a permanent system. Directs the Secretary to require each railroad carrier to: (1) establish a toll-free telephone service to receive directly calls reporting malfunctions of signals, disabled vehicles blocking railroad tracks at grade crossings, obstructions to the view of a train's approach, or other related safety information; (2) warn any trains operating near the grade crossing immediately upon receiving such a report, and contact appropriate public safety officials to direct traffic and remove any disabled vehicle; (3) timely investigate any report of a view obstruction and remove it if possible, or correct any other reported unsafe circumstance; and (4) ensure placement of the toll-free telephone number and certain other explanatory information on signs at each grade crossing. Authorizes the Secretary to waive the requirement that telephone service be toll-free for Class II and Class III rail carriers if such service would be cost prohibitive. (Sec. 206) Directs the FRA to make grants to Operation Lifesaver to: (1) carry out a public information and education program to help prevent and reduce railroad accidents, incidents, injuries, and fatalities, and to improve awareness along railroad rights-of-way and at highway-rail grade crossings; and (2) implement a pilot Railroad Safety Public Awareness Program addressing the need for targeted and sustained community outreach on rail and grade crossing safety. Authorizes appropriations for FY2010-FY2013. (Sec. 207) Directs the Secretary to make grants to: (1) up to three states annually to develop or continue public education activities and enforcement of highway-rail crossing safety laws; and (2) provide for priority highway-rail grade crossing safety improvements. Authorizes appropriations for FY2010-FY2013. (Sec. 208) Directs the Secretary to: (1) review current local, state, and federal laws regarding trespassing and vandalism on railroad property and violations of highway-rail grade crossing warning signs; and (2) develop and make available to state and local governments model state legislation providing for civil or criminal penalties, or both, for violations of highway-rail grade crossing warning signs. Authorizes the Secretary to purchase items of nominal value and distribute them to the public without charge as part of an educational or awareness program to improve the safety of highway-rail crossings and prevent trespass on railroad rights-of-way. (Sec. 209) Requires the FRA to conduct periodic audits of each Class I railroad and non-Class I railroad to ensure that all grade crossing collisions and fatalities are reported to the national accident database. (Sec. 210) Authorizes railroad carriers and railroad suppliers to submit for the Secretary's approval new technology providing warning to highway users at highway-rail grade crossings. Declares that such Secretarial approval preempts state law concerning the adequacy of such technology. Title III: Federal Railroad Administration - (Sec. 301) Requires the Secretary to gradually increase the number of rail safety-related employees at the FRA by 200 between FY2009-FY2013. (Sec. 302) Increases penalties for violations of rail safety regulations prescribed or orders issued by the Secretary, including violations related to rail accident reporting and hours-of-service. (Sec. 303) Requires the Secretary to make publicly available, and publish on the FRA public website, an annual report of all railroad enforcement actions taken by the Secretary or the FRA during the prior fiscal year. (Sec. 304) Expands the Secretary's authority to issue emergency orders to abate unsafe rail conditions or practices that involve significant harm to the environment. (Sec. 305) Revises the Secretary's authority to prohibit an individual from performing safety-sensitive functions in the railroad industry because of previous violations of hazardous materials transportation laws. (Sec. 306) Allows the Secretary to authorize officers, employees, or agents to intercept and record a radio communication, with or without the consent of the sender or other receivers of the communication, where such communication is broadcast or transmitted over a radio frequency authorized for use by one or more railroad carriers by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and primarily used by such railroad carriers for communications in connection with railroad operations. Allows such activities for purposes of accident prevention and accident investigation. Sets forth uses of information obtained through such activities. (Sec. 307) Requires the Secretary to update the FRA website to: (1) help the public find current information regarding FRA activities; and (2) provide a mechanism for the public to report to the FRA potential violations of federal railroad safety and hazardous materials transportation laws and orders. (Sec. 308)Authorizes the Secretary in emergency situations to waive compliance with a railroad safety order without prior notice and comment provided certain conditions are met. (Sec. 310) Increases criminal fines for failure of a railroad carrier to file a railroad accident report. Title IV: Railroad Safety Enhancements - (Sec. 401) Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) minimum training standards for each class and craft of safety-related railroad employees and railroad carrier contractor and subcontractor employees to become knowledgeable with federal railroad safety laws and regulations and railroad carrier rules and procedures to implement such laws and regulations; (2) a requirement that railroad carriers, contractors, and subcontractors develop and submit for the Secretary's approval employee training and qualification plans; and (3) minimum training curriculum to ensure safety-related railroad employees and contractor and subcontractor employees are qualified to identify and correct defective conditions that could lead to rail accidents or injuries. (Sec. 402) Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a program to require the certification of train conductors; and (2) report to specified congressional committees about whether the certification of certain crafts or classes of railroad carrier or railroad carrier contractor or subcontractor employees is necessary to reduce the number and rate of railroad accidents or to improve railroad safety. (Sec. 403) Requires the Secretary to: (1) report to specified congressional committees on a study of whether the required intervals of track inspections for each class of track and track remedial action requirements should be amended, whether different track inspection and repair priorities or methods should be required, and whether the speed at which railroad track inspection vehicles operate and the scope of territory they cover allow for proper track inspection, as well as whether such speed and scope should be regulated by the Secretary; and (2) issue regulations for concrete cross ties for class one through five track. (Sec. 404) Requires the Secretary to study methods to improve the safety of rail passenger station platform gaps to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and to minimize the associated safety risks of such gaps for railroad passengers and employees.(Sec. 405) Directs the Secretary to study and report to specified congressional committees on the safety impact of the use of personal electronic devices, including cell phones, video games, and other distracting devices, by safety-related railroad employees during work. Authorizes the Secretary to study other elements of the locomotive cab environment and their effect on an employee's health and safety. Authorizes the Secretary, based on the conclusions of the studies, to: (1) prohibit the use of such devices during work, unless they are being used in accordance with railroad operating rules; and (2) issue regulations to improve elements of the cab environment to protect an employee's health and safety. (Sec. 406) Requires the Secretary to issue standards governing the development and use of rail safety technology in dark territory (any territory in a railroad system that does not have a signal or train control system installed or operational). (Sec. 407) Authorizes the Secretary, upon petition by a group of commonly controlled railroad carriers operating within the United States as a single, integrated rail system, to treat such group as a single railroad carrier for railroad safety purposes. (Sec. 408) Requires the Secretary to study and report to Congress on the impacts of repealing a provision of the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 which preempts state laws from requiring certain crew requirements in the former region of the Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail). (Sec. 409) Requires any nonfederal alcohol and drug testing program of a railroad carrier to provide that all post-employment tests of the specimens of employees performed under the program be conducted using a scientifically recognized method of testing capable of determining the presence of the specific analyte at a level above the cutoff level established by the carrier. Requires each railroad carrier that has such a testing program to provide a redress process for its employees who were determined to be in violation of the program. (Sec. 410) Directs the Secretary to require each Class I railroad, and any other railroad that the Secretary determines appropriate, to: (1) develop, and submit for the Secretary's approval, a critical incident stress plan that provides for debriefing, counseling, guidance, and other appropriate support services to be offered to an employee affected by a critical incident; (2) allow for the immediate relief from duty of any employee involved in a critical incident; (3) relieve a requesting employee who witnessed a critical incident of his or her duties as soon as feasible. (Sec. 411) Requires the Secretary to study and report to Congress on the potential hazards to which railroad carrier employees and railroad contractors or subcontractors are exposed during the transportation of high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel. (Sec. 412) Requires the Secretary to complete a rulemaking proceeding to revise railroad employee alcohol and controlled substance testing requirements to cover all railroad carrier employees and railroad contractors or subcontractors who perform maintenance-of-way activities. (Sec. 413) Directs the Secretary to issue regulations to require railroad carriers to: (1) provide emergency escape breathing apparatus for all crewmembers in locomotive cabs on freight trains carrying hazardous materials; and (2) provide their crewmembers with training in the use of such apparatus. (Sec. 414) Requires each railroad carrier to document, for at least two years, certain historical information on its tunnels, including inspection and maintenance activities. (Sec. 415) Requires the Secretary to study, and report to Congress on, safety inspection requirements for diesel-electric locomotives and equipment operated by railroad-related museums, historical societies, and tourist or scenic railroads, as well as an analysis of the safety consequences of requiring less frequent inspections of such locomotives and equipment. (Sec. 416) Prohibits mechanical and brake inspections of rail cars performed in Mexico from satisfying U.S. rail safety laws and regulations unless the Secretary certifies that: (1) such inspections are being performed under regulations and standards equivalent to those applicable in the United States; (2) the inspections are being performed by employees that have received training similar to training received by U.S. railroad employees; (3) inspection records are required to be available to the crewmembers aboard the train; and (4) the FRA is permitted to perform onsite inspections to ensure compliance with the requirements of this section. (Sec. 417) Directs the Secretary to: (1) issue a regulation to require owners of track on railroad bridges to adopt a bridge safety management program; and (2) establish a program to review periodically bridge inspection and maintenance data from railroad carrier bridge inspectors and FRA bridge experts. (Sec. 418) Requires the Secretary to establish a railroad safety infrastructure improvement grants program. Authorizes appropriations for FY2010-FY2013. (Sec. 419) Revises employee protection requirements to prohibit a railroad carrier or other covered person from: (1) denying or interfering with the medical or first aid treatment of a railroad employee injured during the course of employment; or (2) disciplining or threatening to discipline a railroad employee who requests such treatment. (Sec. 420) Revises rail employee sleeping quarters requirements to require a railroad carrier that provides sleeping quarters for its employees to provide indoor toilet facilities, potable water, and other features to protect their health. Requires camp car compliance with such requirement by December 31, 2010. Title V: Rail Passenger Disaster Family Assistance - (Sec. 501) Directs the NTSB, as soon as practicable after being notified of a rail passenger accident resulting in major loss of life, to provide certain assistance to families of passengers involved in the accident. (Sec. 502) Requires a rail passenger carrier to submit to the NTSB, the Secretary, and the Secretary of Homeland Security a plan for addressing the needs of families of passengers involved in an accident of a rail passenger carrier intercity train resulting in major loss of life. Provides for FY2010 funding. (Sec. 503) Requires the Secretary to establish a task force to develop a model plan and recommendations on how passenger rail carriers can provide assistance and notification to families of passengers involved in rail accidents. Title VI: Clarification of Federal Jurisdiction Over Solid Waste Facilities - Clean Railroads Act of 2008 - (Sec. 602) Exempts solid waste rail transfer facilities from the jurisdiction of the Surface Transportation Board (effectively allowing state and local authorities to regulate such facilities). (Sec. 603) Requires a solid waste rail transfer facility to comply with all federal and state solid waste environmental laws (except those requiring permits). Declares that any such facility lacking a state permit shall not be required to possess one (other than a siting permit): (1) if by a certain deadline the facility has applied, in good faith, for all required permits; and (2) until the permitting agency has either approved or denied the permit application. Declares that any such facility that does not possess a state siting permit shall not be required to possess one to continue to operate or to comply with state land use requirements. Authorizes a state governor to petition the Surface Transportation Board to require the facility to apply for a land-use exemption. Requires the Board to accept such a petition and the facility to have such an exception to continue to operate. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to make modifications to such requirements to protect human health and the environment. (Sec. 604) Authorizes the Board to issue a land-use exemption for a solid waste rail transfer facility operated or proposed to be operated by or on behalf of a rail carrier if: (1) state or local law affecting the siting unreasonably burdens the interstate railroad transportation of solid waste, or discriminates against such transportation and a solid waste rail transfer facility, or a rail carrier that owns or operates such a facility petitions the Board for such an exemption; or (2) the governor (or designee) of a state in which a facility that is already operating is located petitions the Board to initiate a permit proceeding for that particular facility. Allows the Board to issue a land use exemption only if the facility at the existing or proposed location does not pose an unreasonable risk to public health, safety, or the environment. Prohibits any such land-use exemption for a solid waste rail transfer facility proposed to be located on land within the National Park System, the National Wildlife Refuge System, the National Wilderness Preservation System, the National Trails System, the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, a National Reserve, a National Monument, or certain lands for which a state has implemented a conservation management plan, if the facility's operation would be inconsistent with restrictions placed on such land. Title VII: Technical Corrections - (Sec. 701) Makes technical corrections to limitations on the use of local rail freight assistance. Considers any repaid portion of the U.S. Government's share of money, and any contingent interest recovered, to be state funds. Redefines "motor carrier" to exempt from unified carrier registration system plan and agreement requirements any carrier that the board of directors of the unified carrier registration plan determines appropriate. Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to extend from 25 years to 35 years the repayment term of direct loans or loan guarantees for improvement of intermodal or rail equipment or facility projects. Division B: Amtrak - Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 - Title I: Authorizations - (Sec. 101) Authorizes appropriations for FY2009-FY2013 for: (1) Amtrak capital and operating grants and to the Amtrak Office of the Inspector General; (2) Amtrak repayment of long-term debt and capital leases; and (3) the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). Authorizes the Secretary to withhold up to one-half of 1% of certain funds for the costs of project management oversight of capital projects carried out by Amtrak. (Sec. 102) Authorizes appropriations for costs associated with Amtrak early buyouts. Title II: Amtrak Reform and Operational Improvements - Makes certain Amtrak reforms and operational improvements. (Sec. 201) Defines the national rail passenger transportation system as: (1) Amtrak's Boston-Washington Northeast Corridor; (2) high-speed corridors designated by the Secretary once regularly scheduled intercity service over them has been established; (3) long-distance routes (of greater than 750 miles) operated on the date of enactment of this Act; and (4) short-distance routes operated by Amtrak or a non-Amtrak recipient of federal capital assistance. Authorizes Amtrak and a state to agree on the operation of an intercity route or service not included in the national rail transportation system. Declares that this Act does not preclude Amtrak from restoring, improving, or developing non-high-speed intercity passenger rail service. Provides that: (1) the mission of Amtrak is to provide efficient and effective intercity passenger rail mobility consisting of high quality service that is trip-time competitive with other intercity travel options and that is consistent with certain goals; and (2) one of Amtrak's goals shall be to provide additional or complimentary intercity transportation service to ensure mobility in a natural disaster or other times where travel options are not adequately available. (Sec. 202) Replaces the Amtrak Reform Board with a reconstituted Amtrak Board of Directors, with revised composition requirements. (Sec. 203) Authorizes the Amtrak Board of Directors to employ an independent financial consultant with experience in railroad accounting to assist Amtrak in improving Amtrak's financial accounting and reporting system and practices. Requires the Amtrak Board to: (1) implement a modern financial accounting and reporting system not later than three years after enactment of this Act; and (2) develop a five-year financial plan. (Sec. 205) Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to make agreements to restructure Amtrak's long-term debt and capital leases. (Sec. 206) Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish substantive and procedural requirements for grant requests, including a 30-day approval process. (Sec. 207) Requires the FRA and Amtrak to develop jointly new or improve existing metrics and minimum standards for measuring the performance and service quality of intercity passenger train operations. (Sec. 208) Directs the FRA to obtain the services of an independent entity to develop and recommend objective methodologies for Amtrak intercity passenger routes and services. (Sec. 209) Directs the Amtrak Board to develop and implement a single methodology for allocating train route operating and capital costs among states and Amtrak. (Sec. 210) Requires Amtrak to evaluate the financial and operating performance of long distance passenger rail routes, rank them, and develop and post on its website a performance improvement plan. (Sec. 211) Requires Amtrak to develop a Northeast Corridor state-of-good-repair plan. (Sec. 212) Abolishes the Northeast Corridor Coordination Board. Directs the Secretary to establish a Northeast Corridor Infrastructure and Operations Advisory Commission and a Northeast Corridor Safety Committee. Authorizes appropriations FY2009-FY2013. Requires Amtrak and the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) to agree by July 1, 2009, on access fees and other charges to be charged for RIDOT's operation of the South County commuter rail service on the Northeast Corridor between Providence and Wickford Junction, Rhode Island. Directs Amtrak to report to Congress on infrastructure and equipment improvements necessary to provide regular high-speed service within specified periods of time between Washington, D.C. and New York City and between New York City and Boston. Requires the Northeast Corridor Infrastructure and Operations Advisory Commission to report to Congress on the role of Amtrak's Northeast Corridor service in the economic development of the Northeast Corridor. (Sec. 213) Authorizes the Surface Transportation Board (STB) to: (1) investigate the causes of any passenger train performance of under 80% for any two consecutive calendar quarters; (2) determine if delays or failure to achieve minimum standards can be attributed to a rail carrier's failure to prefer Amtrak over freight transportation; and (3) assess damages upon a host rail carrier for such delays or failures. Allows Amtrak, an intercity passenger rail operator, freight railroads that host Amtrak trains, or an entity (state) for which Amtrak operates intercity passenger rail service to petition the STB directly for an investigation of such delays or failures. Authorizes the STB to: (1) establish and collect fees from any entity that files a complaint or otherwise requests its services; and (2) increase the number of its employees by up to 15 for the five fiscal year period beginning with FY2009. (Sec. 214) Directs the FRA to establish an alternative passenger rail service program that allows a rail carrier or carriers that own a route over which Amtrak operates to petition FRA to become a passenger rail carrier for that route in lieu of Amtrak for a period of up to five years. (Sec. 215) Directs the Secretary to develop an employee transition assistance program for Amtrak employees adversely affected by the cessation of a long distance or any other route previously operated by Amtrak. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 216) Encourages Amtrak to increase the operation of special trains funded by private sector operators through competitive contracting to minimize the need for federal subsidies. (Sec. 217) Permits a state to make an agreement with Amtrak to use facilities and equipment of, or have services provided by, Amtrak to enable the state to utilize an entity other than Amtrak to provide services required for operation of the route. (Sec. 219) Directs Amtrak to evaluate improvements necessary to make all existing intercity rail stations readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 220) Directs the FRA to monitor and conduct periodic reviews of Amtrak's compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1974 to ensure Amtrak's services and facilities are accessible to individuals with disabilities. (Sec. 221) Directs the Inspector General of DOT to assess progress made by Amtrak management and the DOT in implementing this Act. (Sec. 222) Requires Amtrak to develop and implement a plan to improve on-board service. (Sec. 223) Encourages the Amtrak Board to develop an incentive pay program for Amtrak management employees. (Sec. 224) Requires Amtrak to conduct passenger rail service studies of certain passenger rail routes. Directs the Secretary to: (1) analyze the December 1, 1998, extension of the designation of the Southeast High-Speed Rail Corridor, including the feasibility of expanding the Keystone Corridor to Cleveland, Ohio, and the South Central High-Speed Rail Corridor to the Port of Houston, Texas, to Memphis, Tennessee, and south of San Antonio to a location in far south Texas to be chosen at the discretion of the Secretary; and (2) establish a process for a state or group of states to petition the Secretary to redesignate or modify any designated high-speed rail corridors. (Sec. 225) Requires the Inspector General of the DOT to report to Congress on service delays on the Coast Starlight (between Seattle, Washington, and Los Angeles, California) and the Amtrak Cascades (between Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and Eugene, Oregon) rail routes and recommendations for improving the on-time performance of such routes. (Sec. 226) Requires Amtrak to submit to Congress a plan for restoring passenger rail service between New Orleans, Louisiana, and Sanford, Florida. (Sec. 227) Directs the Inspector General of the DOT to report to Congress on Amtrak's utilization of its equipment maintenance and repair facilities, including the Beech Grove Mechanical Facility in Indiana. (Sec. 228) Expresses the sense of Congress that Amtrak should maintain a national passenger rail system that connects the continental United States from coast to coast and from border to border. Title III: Intercity Passenger Rail Policy - (Sec. 301) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to an applicant state, group of states, Interstate Compact, or public agency to assist in financing the capital costs of facilities, infrastructure, and equipment necessary to provide intercity passenger rail transportation. Authorizes appropriations for FY2009-FY2013. (Sec. 302) Authorizes the Secretary to make congestion grants to states, or to Amtrak in cooperation with states, for the capital costs of facilities and equipment for high priority rail corridor projects necessary to reduce congestion or facilitate ridership growth in intercity passenger rail transportation. Authorizes appropriations for FY2010-FY2013. (Sec. 303) Authorizes states to prepare and maintain a state rail plan that: (1) sets forth state policy involving freight and passenger rail transportation (including commuter rail operations); and (2) includes a long-range rail investment program. Requires the Secretary to prescribe procedures for the review of state rail plans. (Sec. 304) Requires the FRA, working with Amtrak, the STB, the city of Baltimore, the state of Maryland, and non-Amtrak rail operators to: (1) approve a new rail tunnel alignment in Baltimore that will allow an increase in train speed and service reliability; and (2) ensure completion of the related environmental review process. Authorizes appropriations for FY2009-FY2013. (Sec. 305) Directs Amtrak to establish a Next Generation Corridor Equipment Pool Committee to design, develop specifications for, and procure standardized next-generation corridor equipment. Authorizes appropriations for FY2010. (Sec. 306) Directs the Secretary to establish a rail cooperative research program to address intercity rail passenger and freight rail services, including ways to expand the transportation of international trade traffic, enhance the efficiency of intermodal interchange at ports and other intermodal terminals, and increase availability of rail service for seasonal freight needs. Directs the Secretary to establish an advisory board to recommend research, technology, and technology transfer activities related to rail passenger and freight transportation. Authorizes appropriations for FY2010-FY2013. (Sec. 307) Sets forth additional duties of the FRA Administrator, including to provide assistance to states in developing state rail plans, and to develop a long-range national rail plan. Requires the Administrator to develop a schedule for achieving specific, measurable performance goals. Title IV: Miscellaneous - (Sec. 401) Authorizes a public transportation authority or rail carrier to submit disputes over trackage use and railroad rights-of-way to the STB for nonbinding mediation. (Sec. 402) Encourages Amtrak, commuter rail entities, regional and state public transportation authorities, and freight railroad carriers to engage in good faith discussions with respect to the routing and timing of trains to efficiently move, particularly during peak hours, the maximum number of commuter, intercity, and passenger rail passengers. (Sec. 403) Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) expanded commuter rail service between New Haven, Connecticut, and Springfield, Massachusetts, is an important transportation priority; and (2) Amtrak should work cooperatively with the states of Connecticut and Massachusetts to enable such expanded service. (Sec. 404) Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on: (1) the extent to which freight railroads, Amtrak, and other passenger rail operators could use biofuel blends to power locomotives and other vehicles that can operate on diesel fuel; and (2) the feasibility of using biodegradable lubricants for freight and passenger railroad locomotives, rolling stock, or their equipment. (Sec. 406) Requires Amtrak to develop a strategic plan on expanded cross-border passenger rail (Amtrak Cascades) service between the United States and Canada during the 2010 Olympic Games. Authorizes the Secretary and other federal agencies to establish facilities and procedures to conduct preclearance of passengers on Amtrak trains entering the United States from Canada. (Sec. 407) Directs the Secretary to: (1) find ways to streamline compliance with specified National Historic Preservation Act requirements for federally-funded railroad infrastructure repair and improvement projects; and (2) take immediate action to cooperate with named Alaska and North Carolina entities in expediting the decisionmaking process for safety-related projects involving railroad and Southeast High Speed Rail Corridor property and facilities that have disputed historic significance. Title V: High-Speed Rail - (Sec. 501) Revises the high-speed rail assistance program to authorize federal assistance for high-speed rail corridor planning activities. Authorizes appropriations through FY2013 for such activities. Directs the Secretary to establish a high-speed rail corridor development program. Authorizes the Secretary to make competitive grants to a state, a group of states, an Interstate Compact, a public agency, or Amtrak to finance capital projects in high-speed rail corridors. Authorizes appropriations for FY2009-FY2013. (Sec. 502) Directs the Secretary to solicit proposals for projects for operation of a high-speed intercity passenger rail system within specified high-speed rail corridors. Title VI: Capital and Preventive Maintenance Projects for Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority - (Sec. 601) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA, or Metro) to finance in part the capital and preventive maintenance projects included in its Capital Improvement Program. Conditions the availability of funds, in part, on assurance that each licensed wireless provider serving the public within the rail system has access to the system on an ongoing basis. Authorizes appropriations.

division rail safety rail safety improvement act sec authorizes appropriations fy2009 fy2013 railroad safety purchase vehicles track geometry vehicles comparable technology assess track safety construction pueblo colorado title railroad safety improvements sec requires federal_railroad_administration fra safety railroad transportation highest priority carrying duties deputy administrator associate administrator shall fra chief safety officer sec directs secretary transportation secretary develop long term railroad strategy improving railroad safety cover years report annually congress fra performance achieving strategic goals annual plans sec directs secretary require class railroad carrier railroad carrier inadequate safety performance railroad provides intercity passenger commuter rail passenger transportation develop submit secretary approval approved implement railroad safety risk reduction program including risk mitigation technology implementation fatigue management plans reduce rate railroad accidents injuries requires secretary ensure railroad carriers required submit technology implementation plan schedule implementing positive train control system comply schedule implement system december sec requires class railroad carrier entity providing intercity commuter rail passenger transportation develop submit secretary approval plan implementing positive train control system december grants secretary authority assess civil penalties violation related requirements sec directs secretary establish grant program deployment certain train control railroad safety technologies priority projects focus making technologies interoperable railroad systems accelerate train control technology deployment high risk corridors benefit passenger freight safety efficiency authorizes appropriations fy2009 fy2013 sec directs secretary report annually congress specific actions taken implement unmet statutory railroad safety mandates open railroad safety recommendation national_transportation_safety_board ntsb department_of_transportation dot inspector general sec declares railroad safety rule order issued secretary shall effective incorporates reference code rule standard requirement practice issued nonfederal association entity date code rule standard requirement practice adopted specifically cited rule order code rule standard requirement practice subject notice comment federal railroad safety rule order sec revises definition signal employee eliminate requirement employed railroad carrier including signal employees employed contractors subcontractors revises hours service requirements train employee prohibits railroad carrier officers agents requiring train employee remain duty mandatory service employee spent calendar month total hours duty waiting transportation time transportation duty assignment place final release consecutive hours employee consecutive currently consecutive hours duty previous hours prohibits requiring allowing employee remain duty employee initiated duty period day consecutive days employee consecutive hours duty employee home terminal seven consecutive days permitted collective bargaining agreement employee consecutive hours duty home terminal caps total number hours train employee spend time transportation duty assignment place final release following consecutive hour period duty time duty time duty train delayed accident major equipment failure delay resulting cause unknown railroad carrier revises hours service requirements signal employees including signal employees contractors subcontractors repeals requirement signal employee consecutive hours duty hour period makes consecutive hours maximum time duty employee consecutive hours duty previous hours prohibits signal employee allowed duty certain emergency authority conduct routine repairs routine maintenance routine inspection signal systems prohibits railroad communicating train signal employee time duty notify employee emergency situation prescribes requirements application hours service regime commuter intercity passenger railroad train employees authorizes secretary issue regulations certain additional changes hours service requirements order improve safety reduce employee fatigue directs secretary conduct pilot projects analyze specific practices reduce fatigue train engine railroad employees sec prohibits secretary disclosing public information obtained railroad risk reduction program pilot program enforce carry federal law directs secretary evaluate public interest including public safety legal rights persons injured railroad accidents withhold discovery admission evidence federal state court proceeding damages involving personal injury wrongful death carrier report data compiled railroad safety risk reduction program required chapter implement rule addressing results evaluation sec authorizes railroad carrier railroad carriers nonprofit employee labor organizations representing class craft directly affected covered service employees petition secretary transportation jointly waiver requirements title order enable establishment pilot projects demonstrate possible benefits implementing alternatives strict application requirements including maximum duty minimum duty periods title requires secretary issue guidance passenger railroads methods strategies prevent pedestrian accidents injuries fatalities near passenger stations sec directs secretary identify states highway rail grade crossing collisions average past years require develop state grade crossing action plan secretary approval identifies specific solutions improving safety highway rail grade crossings particularly crossings high risk multiple accidents sec requires secretary develop model legislation states improve safety addressing sight obstructions highway rail grade crossings passive warnings sec requires railroad carrier state report secretary current information previously unreported highway rail grade crossings annual updates national crossing inventory establishes civil penalties violation requirements railroad carrier sec replaces expired pilot demonstration program emergency notification grade crossing problems permanent system directs secretary require railroad carrier establish toll free telephone service receive directly calls reporting malfunctions signals disabled vehicles blocking railroad tracks grade crossings obstructions view train approach related safety information warn trains operating near grade crossing immediately receiving report contact appropriate public safety officials direct traffic remove disabled vehicle timely investigate report view obstruction remove possible correct reported unsafe circumstance ensure placement toll free telephone number certain explanatory information signs grade crossing authorizes secretary waive requirement telephone service toll free class class iii rail carriers service cost prohibitive sec directs fra grants operation carry public information education program help prevent reduce railroad accidents incidents injuries fatalities improve awareness railroad rights way highway rail grade crossings implement pilot addressing need targeted sustained community outreach rail grade crossing safety authorizes appropriations fy2010 fy2013 sec directs secretary grants states annually develop continue public education activities enforcement highway rail crossing safety laws provide priority highway rail grade crossing safety improvements authorizes appropriations fy2010 fy2013 sec directs secretary review current local state federal laws trespassing railroad property violations highway rail grade crossing warning signs develop available state local governments model state legislation providing civil criminal penalties violations highway rail grade crossing warning signs authorizes secretary purchase items nominal value distribute public charge educational awareness program improve safety highway rail crossings prevent trespass railroad rights way sec requires fra conduct periodic audits class railroad non class railroad ensure grade crossing collisions fatalities reported national accident database sec authorizes railroad carriers railroad suppliers submit secretary approval new technology providing warning highway users highway rail grade crossings declares secretarial approval preempts state law concerning adequacy technology title iii federal_railroad_administration sec requires secretary gradually increase number rail safety related employees fra fy2009 fy2013 sec increases penalties violations rail safety regulations prescribed orders issued secretary including violations related rail accident reporting hours service sec requires secretary publicly available publish fra public website annual report railroad enforcement actions taken secretary fra prior fiscal year sec expands secretary authority issue emergency orders abate unsafe rail conditions practices involve significant harm environment sec revises secretary authority prohibit individual performing safety sensitive functions railroad industry previous violations hazardous materials transportation laws sec allows secretary authorize officers employees agents intercept record radio communication consent sender receivers communication communication broadcast transmitted radio frequency authorized use railroad carriers federal_communications_commission fcc primarily railroad carriers communications connection railroad operations allows activities purposes accident prevention accident investigation sets forth uses information obtained activities sec requires secretary update fra website help public find current information fra activities provide mechanism public report fra potential violations federal railroad safety hazardous materials transportation laws orders sec secretary emergency situations waive compliance railroad safety order prior notice comment provided certain conditions met sec increases criminal fines failure railroad carrier file railroad accident report title railroad safety enhancements sec directs secretary establish minimum training standards class craft safety related railroad employees railroad carrier contractor subcontractor employees knowledgeable federal railroad safety laws regulations railroad carrier rules procedures implement laws regulations requirement railroad carriers contractors subcontractors develop submit secretary approval employee training qualification plans minimum training curriculum ensure safety related railroad employees contractor subcontractor employees qualified identify correct defective conditions lead rail accidents injuries sec directs secretary establish program require certification train report specified congressional committees certification certain crafts classes railroad carrier railroad carrier contractor subcontractor employees necessary reduce number rate railroad accidents improve railroad safety sec requires secretary report specified congressional committees study required intervals track inspections class track track remedial action requirements amended different track inspection repair priorities methods required speed railroad track inspection vehicles operate scope territory cover allow proper track inspection speed scope regulated secretary issue regulations concrete cross ties class track sec requires secretary study methods improve safety rail passenger station platform gaps comply americans disabilities act minimize associated safety risks gaps railroad passengers directs secretary study report specified congressional committees safety impact use personal electronic devices including cell phones video games devices safety related railroad employees work authorizes secretary study elements locomotive cab environment effect employee health safety authorizes secretary based conclusions studies prohibit use devices work accordance railroad operating rules issue regulations improve elements cab environment protect employee health safety sec requires secretary issue standards governing development use rail safety technology territory territory railroad system signal train control system installed operational sec authorizes secretary petition group commonly controlled railroad carriers operating united_states single integrated rail system treat group single railroad carrier railroad safety purposes sec requires secretary study report congress impacts repealing provision preempts state laws requiring certain crew requirements region sec requires nonfederal alcohol drug testing program railroad carrier provide post employment tests specimens employees performed program conducted scientifically recognized method testing capable determining presence specific level level established carrier requires railroad carrier testing program provide redress process employees determined violation program sec directs secretary require class railroad railroad secretary determines appropriate develop submit secretary approval critical incident stress plan provides counseling guidance appropriate support services offered employee affected critical incident allow immediate relief duty employee involved critical incident relieve requesting employee witnessed critical incident duties soon feasible sec requires secretary study report congress potential hazards railroad carrier employees railroad contractors subcontractors exposed transportation high level radioactive waste spent nuclear fuel sec requires secretary complete rulemaking proceeding revise railroad employee alcohol controlled substance testing requirements cover railroad carrier employees railroad contractors subcontractors perform maintenance way activities sec directs secretary issue regulations require railroad carriers provide emergency escape breathing apparatus crewmembers locomotive freight trains carrying hazardous materials provide crewmembers training use apparatus sec requires railroad carrier document years certain historical information tunnels including inspection maintenance activities sec requires secretary study report congress safety inspection requirements diesel electric locomotives equipment operated railroad related museums historical societies tourist scenic railroads analysis safety consequences requiring frequent inspections locomotives equipment sec prohibits mechanical brake inspections rail cars performed mexico satisfying rail safety laws regulations secretary certifies inspections performed regulations standards equivalent applicable united_states inspections performed employees received training similar training received railroad employees inspection records required available crewmembers aboard train fra permitted perform onsite inspections ensure compliance requirements section sec directs secretary issue regulation require owners track railroad bridges adopt bridge safety management program establish program review periodically bridge inspection maintenance data railroad carrier bridge inspectors fra bridge experts sec requires secretary establish railroad safety infrastructure improvement grants program authorizes appropriations fy2010 fy2013 sec revises employee protection requirements prohibit railroad carrier covered person denying interfering medical aid treatment railroad employee injured course employment disciplining threatening discipline railroad employee requests treatment sec revises rail employee sleeping quarters requirements require railroad carrier provides sleeping quarters employees provide indoor toilet facilities potable water features protect health requires camp car compliance requirement december title rail passenger disaster family assistance sec directs ntsb soon practicable notified rail passenger accident resulting major loss life provide certain assistance families passengers involved accident sec requires rail passenger carrier submit ntsb secretary secretary homeland_security plan addressing needs families passengers involved accident rail passenger carrier intercity train resulting major loss life provides fy2010 funding sec requires secretary establish task force develop model plan recommendations passenger rail carriers provide assistance notification families passengers involved rail accidents title solid waste facilities clean railroads act sec exempts solid waste rail transfer facilities jurisdiction surface_transportation_board effectively allowing state local authorities regulate facilities sec requires solid waste rail transfer facility comply federal state solid waste environmental laws requiring permits declares facility lacking state permit shall required possess siting permit certain deadline facility applied good faith required permits permitting agency approved denied permit application declares facility possess state siting permit shall required possess continue operate comply state land use requirements authorizes state governor petition surface_transportation_board require facility apply land use exemption requires board accept petition facility exception continue operate authorizes administrator environmental_protection_agency epa modifications requirements protect human health environment sec authorizes board issue land use exemption solid waste rail transfer facility operated proposed operated behalf rail carrier state local law affecting siting unreasonably burdens interstate railroad transportation solid waste discriminates transportation solid waste rail transfer facility rail carrier owns operates facility petitions board exemption governor designee state facility operating located petitions board initiate permit proceeding particular facility allows board issue land use exemption facility existing proposed location pose unreasonable risk public health safety environment prohibits land use exemption solid waste rail transfer facility proposed located land national_park_system national_wildlife_refuge_system national_wilderness_preservation_system national_trails_system national_wild_and_scenic_rivers_system national_monument certain lands state implemented conservation management plan facility operation inconsistent restrictions placed land title vii technical corrections sec makes technical corrections limitations use local rail freight assistance considers repaid portion share money contingent interest recovered state funds redefines motor carrier exempt unified carrier registration system plan agreement requirements carrier board directors unified carrier registration plan determines appropriate amends railroad revitalization regulatory reform act extend years years repayment term direct loans loan guarantees improvement intermodal rail equipment facility projects division amtrak passenger rail investment improvement act title authorizations sec authorizes appropriations fy2009 fy2013 amtrak capital operating grants amtrak repayment long term debt capital leases federal_railroad_administration fra authorizes secretary withhold half certain funds costs project management oversight capital projects carried amtrak sec authorizes appropriations costs associated amtrak early title amtrak reform operational improvements makes certain amtrak reforms operational improvements sec defines national rail passenger transportation system amtrak boston washington northeast corridor high speed corridors designated secretary regularly scheduled intercity service established long distance routes greater miles operated date enactment act short distance routes operated amtrak non amtrak recipient federal capital assistance state agree operation intercity route service included national rail transportation system declares act preclude amtrak restoring improving developing non high speed intercity passenger rail service provides mission amtrak provide efficient effective intercity passenger rail mobility consisting high quality service trip time competitive intercity travel options consistent certain goals amtrak goals shall provide additional complimentary intercity transportation service ensure mobility natural disaster times travel options adequately available sec replaces revised composition requirements sec authorizes directors employ independent financial consultant experience railroad accounting assist amtrak improving amtrak financial accounting reporting system practices requires implement modern financial accounting reporting system later years enactment act develop year financial plan sec authorizes secretary treasury agreements restructure amtrak long term debt capital leases sec directs secretary transportation establish substantive procedural requirements grant requests including day approval process sec requires fra amtrak develop jointly new improve existing metrics minimum standards measuring performance service quality intercity passenger train operations sec directs fra obtain services independent entity develop recommend objective methodologies amtrak intercity passenger routes services sec directs develop implement single methodology allocating train route operating capital costs states amtrak sec requires_amtrak evaluate financial operating performance long distance passenger rail routes rank develop post website performance improvement plan sec requires_amtrak develop northeast corridor state good repair plan sec abolishes directs secretary establish northeast corridor infrastructure operations advisory commission authorizes appropriations fy2009 fy2013 requires_amtrak agree july access fees charges charged operation commuter rail service northeast corridor junction rhode_island directs amtrak report congress infrastructure equipment improvements necessary provide regular high speed service specified periods time washington new_york_city new_york_city boston requires report congress role amtrak northeast corridor service economic development northeast corridor sec authorizes surface_transportation_board stb investigate causes passenger train performance consecutive calendar quarters determine delays failure achieve minimum standards attributed rail carrier failure amtrak freight transportation assess damages host rail carrier delays failures allows amtrak intercity passenger rail operator freight railroads host amtrak trains entity state amtrak operates intercity passenger rail service petition stb directly investigation delays failures authorizes stb establish collect fees entity files complaint requests services increase number employees fiscal year period beginning fy2009 sec directs fra establish alternative passenger rail service program allows rail carrier carriers route amtrak operates petition fra passenger rail carrier route lieu amtrak period years sec directs secretary develop employee transition assistance program amtrak employees adversely affected cessation long distance route previously operated amtrak authorizes appropriations sec encourages amtrak increase operation special trains funded private sector operators competitive contracting minimize need federal subsidies sec permits state agreement amtrak use facilities equipment services provided amtrak enable state utilize entity amtrak provide services required operation route sec directs amtrak evaluate improvements necessary existing intercity rail stations readily accessible usable individuals disabilities authorizes appropriations sec directs fra monitor conduct periodic reviews amtrak compliance americans disabilities act ada rehabilitation act ensure amtrak services facilities accessible individuals disabilities sec directs inspector general dot assess progress amtrak management dot implementing act sec requires_amtrak develop implement plan improve board service sec encourages develop incentive pay program amtrak management employees sec requires amtrak conduct passenger rail service studies certain passenger rail routes directs secretary analyze december extension designation southeast high speed rail corridor including feasibility expanding keystone corridor cleveland ohio south central high speed rail corridor port houston texas memphis tennessee south san_antonio location far south texas chosen discretion secretary establish process state group states petition secretary redesignate modify designated high speed rail corridors sec requires inspector general dot report congress service delays seattle washington los_angeles california vancouver canada oregon rail routes recommendations improving time performance routes sec requires_amtrak submit congress plan restoring passenger rail service new_orleans louisiana florida sec directs inspector general dot report congress amtrak utilization equipment maintenance repair facilities including indiana sec expresses sense congress amtrak maintain national passenger rail system connects continental united_states coast coast border border title iii intercity passenger rail policy sec authorizes secretary grants applicant state group states interstate_compact public agency assist financing capital costs facilities infrastructure equipment necessary provide intercity passenger rail transportation authorizes appropriations fy2009 fy2013 sec authorizes secretary congestion grants states amtrak cooperation states capital costs facilities equipment high priority rail corridor projects necessary reduce congestion facilitate ridership growth intercity passenger rail transportation authorizes appropriations fy2010 fy2013 sec authorizes states prepare maintain state rail plan sets forth state policy involving freight passenger rail transportation including commuter rail operations includes long range rail investment program requires secretary prescribe procedures review state rail plans sec requires fra working amtrak stb city baltimore state maryland rail operators approve new rail tunnel alignment baltimore allow increase train speed service reliability ensure completion related environmental review process authorizes appropriations fy2009 fy2013 sec directs amtrak establish design develop specifications procure standardized generation corridor equipment authorizes appropriations fy2010 sec directs secretary establish rail cooperative research program address intercity rail passenger freight rail services including ways expand transportation international trade traffic enhance efficiency intermodal interchange ports intermodal terminals increase availability rail service seasonal freight needs directs secretary establish advisory board recommend research technology technology transfer activities related rail passenger freight transportation authorizes appropriations fy2010 fy2013 sec sets forth additional duties fra administrator including provide assistance states developing state rail plans develop long range national rail plan requires administrator develop schedule achieving specific measurable performance goals title miscellaneous sec authorizes public transportation authority rail carrier submit disputes trackage use railroad rights way stb nonbinding mediation sec encourages amtrak commuter rail entities regional state public transportation authorities freight railroad carriers engage good faith discussions respect routing timing trains efficiently particularly peak hours maximum number commuter intercity passenger rail passengers sec expresses sense congress expanded commuter rail service connecticut springfield massachusetts important transportation priority amtrak work cooperatively states connecticut massachusetts enable expanded service sec directs secretary study report congress extent freight railroads amtrak passenger rail operators use biofuel blends power locomotives vehicles operate diesel fuel feasibility biodegradable freight passenger railroad locomotives rolling stock equipment sec requires amtrak develop strategic plan expanded cross border passenger rail service united_states canada olympic games authorizes secretary federal agencies establish facilities procedures conduct preclearance passengers amtrak trains entering united_states canada sec directs secretary find ways streamline compliance specified national historic preservation act requirements federally funded railroad infrastructure repair improvement projects immediate action cooperate named alaska north_carolina entities expediting decisionmaking process safety related projects involving railroad southeast high speed rail corridor property facilities disputed historic significance title high speed rail sec revises high speed rail assistance program authorize federal assistance high speed rail corridor planning activities authorizes appropriations fy2013 activities directs secretary establish high speed rail corridor development program authorizes secretary competitive grants state group states interstate_compact public agency amtrak finance capital projects high speed rail corridors authorizes appropriations fy2009 fy2013 sec directs secretary solicit proposals projects operation high speed intercity passenger rail system specified high speed rail corridors title capital washington metropolitan area transit authority sec authorizes secretary grants washington_metropolitan_area_transit_authority wmata metro finance capital preventive maintenance projects included conditions availability funds assurance licensed wireless provider serving public rail system access system ongoing basis authorizes appropriations


Summary: Freight Rail Infrastructure Capacity Expansion Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) a tax credit for 25% of the cost of new qualified freight rail infrastructure property and qualified locomotive property; and (2) a taxpayer election to expense the cost of qualified freight rail infrastructure property (i.e., deduct all costs in the current taxable year). Terminates such credit and expensing election after 2012.

freight_rail_infrastructure_capacity_expansion_act amends internal revenue code allow tax credit cost new qualified freight rail infrastructure property qualified locomotive property taxpayer election expense cost qualified freight rail infrastructure property deduct costs current taxable year terminates credit expensing election


Summary: Railroad Competition and Service Improvement Act of 2007 - Sets forth Surface Transportation Board directives calling for effective competition among rail carriers and reliable rail transportation service for rail customers.Requires a rail carrier, upon shipper request, to establish rates for transportation and provide requested service between any two points on the carrier's system. Prohibits the Board from issuing a certificate authorizing construction and operation of railroad lines, short line purchases by Class II and Class III rail carriers, or consolidation, merger, and acquisition of control of rail carriers, or exempt from such certificate requirements any person, transaction, or service with respect to such activity, if the activity involves a transfer of interest in a line of railroad, from a Class I rail carrier to a Class II or III rail carrier, and the activity would: (1) restrict the ability of the Class II or Class III rail carrier to interchange traffic with other rail carriers; (2) restrict competition of rail carriers in the region affected by the activity in a manner that would violate U.S. antitrust laws; or (3) require higher per car interchange rates for Class II or Class III rail carriers to interchange traffic with other rail carriers. Prescribes procedures for Board review of any activity alleged to have resulted in a restriction of competition.Makes mandatory (currently, discretionary) entry by rail carriers into reciprocal switching agreements where the Board finds it is practicable and in the public interest, or where such agreements are necessary to provide competitive rail service. Requires the Board to designate any state or substantial part of a state as an area of inadequate rail competition after making certain findings.Requires the Board to post rail service complaints on its website. Sets forth time limits for the Board to act on complaints filed alleging unlawfulness of a new or revised rail rate, rule, or practice.Establishes the Office of Rail Customer Advocacy.Grants rail customers access to a Board process for determining rail rate reasonableness in railroad market dominance cases. Requires the Board to submit certain rail rate, service, and other disputes to arbitration. Authorizes the Board to investigate rail carrier violations on its own initiative (under current law, the Board is authorized to investigate only on complaint). Requires the Board (currently, discretionary) to initiate an investigation upon receiving a complaint alleging rail carrier violations.

sets forth surface_transportation_board directives calling effective competition rail carriers reliable rail transportation service rail customers requires rail carrier shipper request establish rates transportation provide requested service points carrier system prohibits board issuing certificate authorizing construction operation railroad lines short line purchases class class iii rail carriers consolidation merger acquisition control rail carriers exempt certificate requirements person transaction service respect activity activity involves transfer interest line railroad class rail carrier class iii rail carrier activity restrict ability class class iii rail carrier interchange traffic rail carriers restrict competition rail carriers region affected activity manner violate antitrust laws require higher car interchange rates class class iii rail carriers interchange traffic rail carriers prescribes procedures board review activity alleged resulted restriction competition makes mandatory currently discretionary entry rail carriers reciprocal switching agreements board finds practicable public interest agreements necessary provide competitive rail service requires board designate state substantial state area inadequate rail competition making certain findings requires board post rail service complaints website sets forth time limits board act complaints filed alleging new revised rail rate rule practice customer advocacy grants rail customers access board process determining rail rate reasonableness railroad market cases requires board submit certain rail rate service disputes arbitration authorizes board investigate rail carrier violations initiative current law board authorized investigate complaint requires board currently discretionary initiate investigation receiving complaint alleging rail carrier violations


Summary: Requires railroad carriers to annually transmit to the Secretary of Transportation a plan for providing notification to local emergency responders before transporting hazardous materials through their jurisdictions. Directs the Secretary to require carriers to periodically demonstrate that the plan's procedures provide local emergency responders adequate notice.

requires railroad carriers annually transmit secretary transportation plan providing notification local emergency responders transporting hazardous materials jurisdictions directs secretary require carriers periodically demonstrate plan procedures provide local emergency responders adequate notice


Summary: Northeast Corridor Rail Tunnel Safety Act - Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Transportation for Amtrak use, after the Secretary has received and approved a project engineering and financial plan, to complete New York tunnel life safety projects and to rehabilitate tunnels in Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, Maryland.

safety act authorizes appropriations secretary use secretary received approved project engineering financial plan complete new_york tunnel life safety projects rehabilitate tunnels washington baltimore maryland


Summary: American Investment in Safe, Reliable High-Speed Rail Act - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to establish high-speed rail systems in the United States. Amends federal transportation law to authorize the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to make grants to a state, an Interstate Compact, a public agency, or a public-private entity to finance high-speed capital projects that improve intercity passenger rail transportation service. Prohibits Secretary approval of a grant project without a state rail plan and a project management plan. Requires each state to prepare for Secretary approval a state rail plan that includes a long-range rail investment program. Establishes: (1) a Next Generation Corridor Equipment Pool Committee; (2) a rail cooperative research program; and (3) an advisory board. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to, and enter into cooperative agreements with, the National Academy of Sciences to carry out research, technology, and technology transfer activities to improve intercity rail passenger and freight service.

reliable high speed rail act declares purpose act establish high speed rail systems united_states amends federal transportation law authorize secretary transportation secretary grants state interstate_compact public agency public private entity finance high speed capital projects improve intercity passenger rail transportation service prohibits secretary approval grant project state rail plan project management plan requires state prepare secretary approval state rail plan includes long range rail investment program establishes generation corridor equipment pool committee rail cooperative research program advisory board authorizes secretary grants enter cooperative agreements national_academy_of_sciences carry research technology technology transfer activities improve intercity rail passenger freight service


Summary: High-Speed Rail Authority Development and Formation Act - Establishes within the Department of Transportation (DOT) the National High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority), which shall be headed by an Administrator. Declares that the Authority's mission shall be to encourage and assist in the establishment of high-speed rail systems in the United States. Establishes in the Authority: (1) a Policy Advisory Committee; (2) an Office of Administration; and (3) an Office of Policy, Research, and Development. Establishes within the Office of Administration a Design/Build/Operate Division, a Right-Of-Way Acquisition Division, the position of General Counsel, and an Office of Venture Capital. Authorizes the Administrator, based on certain criteria, to solicit the development of certain technologies that will contribute to the development of high-speed rail transportation. Requires that priority be given to certain designated High-Speed Rail Corridors in allocating federal funds to construct high-speed rail systems.

high speed rail authority development formation act establishes department_of_transportation dot national high speed rail authority authority shall headed administrator declares authority mission shall encourage assist establishment high speed rail systems united_states establishes authority policy advisory committee development establishes right way acquisition division position general counsel authorizes administrator based certain criteria solicit development certain technologies contribute development high speed rail transportation requires priority given certain designated high speed rail corridors allocating federal funds construct high speed rail systems


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Transportation to solicit proposals for projects for the financing, design, construction, and operation of an initial high-speed rail system between Washington, DC, and New York City, New York (Northeast Corridor). Requires the Secretary to: (1) determine whether a proposal is feasible; and (2) establish a commission for each corridor for which one or more feasible proposals are submitted. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on the results of an economic development study of Amtrak's Northeast Corridor service.

directs secretary transportation solicit proposals projects financing design construction operation initial high speed rail system washington new_york_city new_york northeast corridor requires secretary determine proposal feasible establish commission corridor feasible proposals submitted directs secretary report congress results economic development study amtrak northeast corridor service