Ross, who testified before the Senate subcommittee on Surface Transportation at the invitation of Amtrak officials, said states could contract with Amtrak to provide passenger rail service, or simply turn to Amtrak for advice.

“States from every region of the country face similar problems with traffic congestion and pollution, and are equally interested in commuter and inter-city passenger rail service,” said Ross. “We all recognize that Amtrak can play an important role in helping solve our problems.”

GRTA, along with the Georgia Department of Transportation and the Georgia Rail Passenger Authority, is working to provide commuter rail service in the metro Atlanta region, as well as inter-city rail service throughout the state.

Commuter trains would be connected to other transportation options in the Atlanta region such as express buses, park/ride lots and MARTA rail lines, Ross said. Outside the Atlanta area, inter-city rail service could help spur economic development, she added.

Ross told the panel, which included Georgia Sen. Max Cleland, that there appears to be a national trend toward expanded passenger rail service. That perception was echoed by Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson, chairman of an Amtrak oversight panel, who also testified to the Senate subcommittee.

“Many others, including many of you, are as enthusiastic about the growth of passenger rail as I am,” said Thompson.