“The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) congratulates the nation’s Class I freight railroads and unions on reaching a tentative agreement today, averting a potential work stoppage. Any shutdown of the freight railroad system would have severely impacted U.S. commuter and intercity passenger rail networks at a time when our nation is beginning to restore ridership in the wake of the pandemic and grow passenger rail service in light of the historic investments of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. As the representative of the commuter and intercity passenger railroad industry, we thank the freight railroads and unions involved in negotiations for their efforts and dedication to reaching agreements throughout this process. In addition, the public transportation industry thanks the Biden Administration, particularly Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, for their leadership in reaching this vital agreement.”