Over half of $8 billion in grants for state projects will improve current or future Amtrak routes
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 28, 2010
Contact: Amtrak Media Relations 202 906.3860
“Amtrak is a major part of the future of intercity passenger rail in America,” said President and CEO Joseph Boardman. “We are eager to work with our state partners to move these projects forward as quickly as possible.”
The federal investments in state projects will mean higher speeds, reduced trip times, additional frequencies, improved facilities, and greater reliability for Amtrak services around the country, impacting at least 13 current Amtrak routes.
In addition, the Amtrak-owned Northeast Corridor (NEC), North America’s only current high speed route with trains that operate at 150 mph every day, will benefit from nearly $500 million in state-led improvements funded by these grants. Coupled with the nearly $700 million Amtrak is currently investing in the NEC, Amtrak and the states are supporting the largest program of upgrades on the NEC in over a decade.
Further, these grants will help fund new services or service extensions that may be operated by Amtrak, including an extension of Amtrak’s
Amtrak also applauds the Administration’s decision to provide $3.5 billion in grants to California and Florida for the development of new, dedicated high speed rail systems. These new systems will showcase the tremendous value that intercity passenger rail service can bring to America’s transportation system. We look forward to opportunities to work with those states on the development of these systems and the integration of these systems into the national network of intercity passenger trains.
As the nation’s intercity passenger rail operator, Amtrak connects America in safer, greener and healthier ways. Last fiscal year (FY 2009), the railroad carried 27.2 million passengers, making it the second-best year in the company’s history. With 21,000 route miles in 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian provinces, Amtrak operates more than 300 trains each day—at speeds up to 150 mph—to more than 500 destinations. Amtrak also is the partner of choice for state-supported corridor services in 15 states and for several commuter rail agencies. Visit Amtrak.com or call 800-USA-RAIL for schedules, fares and more information.
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