High Speed Rail Alliance

06/18/2026

One week to go! 🚄 Check out the full agenda for THINKING BIG ABOUT WISCONSIN PASSENGER RAIL and get your tickets TODAY at: https://www.hsrail.org/events/thinking-big-about-wisconsin-passenger-rail/

This is the launch of a statewide effort to develop strong intercity rail connections throughout Wisconsin. Attendees will be equipped with actionable steps and a community of stakeholders to set these projects up for success.

A big thank-you to our partners at New Land Enterprises, our speaker team, our staff, and our collaborators for helping to make this event a reality.

Join us. Let's start THINKING BIG.

General Admission: $35
Students: $15

06/16/2026

We still need your help in urging the City of Chicago to buy its intercity bus terminal before the ordinance moves to full council for final approval on Wednesday, June 17!

Email your alder using this easy form from our partners at Better Streets Chicago. Then pass it along to a friend! Each message lets your city leaders know that public transit infrastructure matters.

In 2024, we came dangerously close to losing Chicago's Greyhound terminal. Just like other cities across the nation, the station had come under ownership of private equity and Greyhound's lease was up with no plan from the City or the bus companies for a resolution. But thanks to our advocacy, a sho...

06/15/2026

This week! Join us for an exclusive virtual interview with Banks Rail on Thursday, June 18 at noon CDT/1 p.m. EDT, all about expanding diversity in transit advocacy. Register on Zoom today!

James-Jordan Banks of Banks Rail joins us to share his experiences as a Black transit creator and discuss ways to better connect with allies.

06/15/2026

Illinois, the spiritual home of the American railroad, signed the Paris Agreement. Its latest climate plan mentions the word “train” exactly zero times.

But the High Speed Rail Alliance has been working hard to fight for trains in our home state, winning two legislative victories this past session.

Read our latest blog post by guest contributor Matthew Roling to learn more about what's missing in the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency's updated Comprehensive Climate Action Plan.

The spiritual home of the American railroad signed the Paris Agreement. Its latest climate plan mentions the word "train" exactly zero times.

06/11/2026

Chicago is ONE step away from purchasing its intercity bus terminal - a move we strongly endorse. Please contact your Alderperson via this easy form to keep the pressure on and get City Council to vote "YES!"

In 2024, we came dangerously close to losing Chicago's Greyhound terminal. Just like other cities across the nation, the station had come under ownership of private equity and Greyhound's lease was up with no plan from the City or the bus companies for a resolution. But thanks to our advocacy, a sho...

06/11/2026

Watch Kristin Brey and Executive Director Rick Harnish discuss the past, present, and future of U.S. passenger rail. You can catch both of these stellar transit advocates at our upcoming conference in Milwaukee on June 25!

Kristin Brey was joined by Rick Harnish, executive director of the High Speed Rail Alliance, to discuss an upcoming Milwaukee event focused on expanding

06/10/2026

Texas needs to get to work and actually commit to high-speed rail. This project deserves a lot more attention, momentum, and buy-in.

The state's economy and population are growing rapidly, but its major cities continue to be held back by traffic congestion, especially Houston, with some of the worst in the nation, and Dallas-Fort Worth.

Another study found a proposed bullet train from North Texas to Houston would generate billions of dollars of economic impact.

06/10/2026

Executive Director Rick Harnish spoke with Kristin Brey on 620 WTMJ’s “Point Taken” about high-speed rail, the future of trains in Wisconsin, and our upcoming June 25 conference “Thinking Big About Wisconsin Passenger Rail.” Give it a listen!

Point Taken with Steve Scaffidi & Kristin Brey · Episode

06/09/2026

Join us at the beautiful Oriental Theatre in Milwaukee on June 25 to be a part of a growing coalition raising standards and expectations for Midwest passenger rail.

Let's start THINKING BIG!

Our upcoming event in Milwaukee on Thursday, June 25 will raise expectations for passenger rail and launch a statewide advocacy effort.

06/07/2026

Listen in on WTMJ Tuesday, June 9 at 11:30 a.m. CDT to hear Executive Director Rick Harnish be interviewed by Kristin Brey on "Point Taken." They'll discuss the status of U.S. high-speed rail, debunk myths, and talk about our upcoming Milwaukee conference on June 25, "Thinking Big About Wisconsin Passenger Rail."

Not in Wisconsin? No problem. Check back on the "Point Taken" website or find them on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to catch previous episodes.

Hosted by Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey, Point Taken is for the politically curious and self-described political ju**ie.