Amtrak plans East Coast rail upgrades to enhance ridership

Amtrak has announced updates on its rail upgrade projects across the country. The government-supported passenger rail service is focusing on expanding and modernizing its operations, especially on the East Coast. This effort aims to boost ridership over the next 15 years. In fiscal year 2024, Amtrak set a record with 32.8 million passengers. The rail service plans to double ridership nationally by 2040, spurred by federal funding from the previous administration. However, concerns have risen that the current administration might cut support for Amtrak. The new project map highlights various improvements in the Northeast Corridor, which includes major cities like New York and Philadelphia. Key construction projects are currently underway, including the Hudson Tunnel and Portal North Bridge. This corridor had over 14 million riders last year, marking a significant increase. The 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provided $66 billion for rail projects, the largest federal investment for passenger rail in Amtrak’s history. However, the Trump administration’s budget proposals raise worries about future funding. Recently, Elon Musk suggested privatizing Amtrak and other services, which has sparked criticism. On March 19, Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner stepped down. He expressed hopes that Amtrak would maintain support from the government during his departure. The Rail Passengers Association president disagreed with Musk’s privatization idea, stating it undermines Amtrak’s public service role. Currently, Amtrak continues its projects, and a new CEO has yet to be appointed. The focus remains on enhancing rail services and meeting the growing demand for passenger rail travel.