Fourth, states recognize the importance of partners in this process. Because railroading is both a capital and labor intensive business, we must have the full participation of the freight railroads, existing shippers, and labor. The freight railroads own most of the assets outside the Northeast Corridor. Publicly and privately held railroad assets are currently shared in part by commuter agencies. Our emphasis will be to assure that nothing we do to improve rail passenger service diminishes the ability of the freight railroads to provide safe, reliable freight service.
All workers have a right to expect equitable compensation and decent working conditions.
The burden is on the states to learn and work with our partners effectively. Fifth, the federal government has a role to play in intercity passenger rail because financial investment is in the national interest. Beyond the interest of the individual states and groups of states in nearly a dozen corridors, it is in the interest of the Nation to have series of vibrant, well built, well operated intercity rail corridors. These corridors contribute to a national commitment to improve mobility and the social and economic quality of life for all our citizens. They anchor an integrated system of public transportation services including local and regional transit and access to major airports.