Transportation Networks Start to Strain Under Gov't Shutdown

As the government shutdown stretches into its fourth week, the strain is beginning to show on the nation’s transportation systems. Essential government functions underpinning air travel, Amtrak services, and public transit operations are continuing to take place. However, the absence of federal funding and delayed paychecks for workers are beginning to create ripple effects that compromise efficiency, safety, and reliability.

Amtrak Operations

As Rail Passengers reported before the shutdown began, Amtrak is able to operate with more autonomy than agencies like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) due to its diversified sources of revenue—including ticket fares and payments from partner state governments. However, the protracted shutdown at the Federal Railroad Administration will likely result in delays to long-term infrastructure projects and state-of-good-repair work.

On a long enough timeline, the absence of federal operating assistance will result in a disruption to Amtrak service. If the shutdown extends well into November, Rail Passengers expects to hear Amtrak leadership sound the alarm bells about the holiday travel season.

One bit of cold comfort for passengers: a number of other critical government services will have collapsed before we get to the point where Amtrak needs to cancel trains, and so strong incentives exist for Congress to strike a deal before then.

Public Transit Operations

Public transit systems are operated by local or state governments, but—like highways—rely on the distribution of federal funds for capital projects and operational support. As with Amtrak, operations will continue uninterrupted, but projects awaiting disbursements may face bureaucratic hurdles, slowing down procurement and construction timelines.

Air Travel

Air travel is among the most visibly impacted sectors during a government shutdown. Most FAA and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees are categorized as “essential”, meaning they must work without pay. This includes air traffic controllers, safety inspectors, and airport screeners.

As the shutdown drags on, we can expect morale among these workers to decline, leading to increased absenteeism and slower operations.

The White House has sent Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on a public relations tour to warn that air traffic controllers are seeking alternative income sources due to missed paychecks, which could result in staffing shortages and widespread flight delays.

“I can’t guarantee that your flight is going to be on time,” said Sec. Duffy this week at a Capitol press conference with House Republican leadership. “I can’t guarantee that your flight’s not going to be canceled. It’s going to depend on our air traffic controllers coming in to work every single day,”

White House Targets “Democratic” Projects

The Trump Administration has also violated norms – and potentially the law – by targeting funding for infrastructure projects in Democratic-controlled states as part of a broader strategy to pressure Democrats amid stalled negotiations. Elected officials in those states say the administration is weaponizing federal funding to punish their political opponents.

That includes billions of dollars in federal funding for the Gateway tunnel between New York and New Jersey, which President Trump stated was “terminated” during a press conference held last week.

“The project in New York — it’s billions and billions of dollars that (U.S. Sen. Chuck) Schumer (D-N.Y.) has worked 20 years to get,” said the President. “Tell him it’s terminated.”

Previously, the USDOT had simply said the project was on hold while its contracting practices were reviewed. It’s unclear if Trump’s remarks indicate a shift in White House policy or if he was just riffing.

Local officials from both parties have responded with alarm to the President’s comments, saying the project is critical for residents and the economy.

“We are Democrats and Republicans united in opposition to defunding or terminating Gateway,” said Fanwood Mayor Colleen Mahr, co-founder of the bipartisan Raritan Valley Line Mayors Alliance.

Many remain hopeful that the Gateway tunnel project—along with dozens of other projects targeted by the White House—will resume once the government reopens.

What Comes Next

Congress is currently looking at three options: a short-term budget extension through November 21, a short-term budget extension through December, and a full-year extension of current spending levels.

Many are circling November 1st on the calendar as a potential turning point in negotiations, when open enrollment for Affordable Care Act plans begins, and Americans start to receive official notices about higher healthcare premiums. Additionally, Americans that rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) will see that food assistance disappear.