Amtrak – Page 31 – Railfanning.org

Amtrak Pursuing Private Investment to Support Northeast Corridor High-Speed Rail Plans

May 23, 2011 Railfanning.org News Wire

WASHINGTON – Amtrak said it is developing a business plan that will maximize the opportunity for private investment to finance the construction of infrastructure and the acquisition of equipment required to provide 220 mph (354 kph) next-generation high-speed rail service in the Northeast Corridor.

Illinois High-Speed Rail Corridor Work Continues

May 18, 2011 Railfanning.org News Wire

CHICAGO – Upgrading of approximately ninety-six miles of railroad track, including installation of a quarter-million railroad ties for future high-speed Amtrak trains, will resume May 20. This work will lead to the substitution of chartered motorcoaches for some Lincoln Service trains and the detour of the Texas Eagle between Chicago and St. Louis. The temporary changes will allow Union Pacific Railroad crews to improve infrastructure to allow Amtrak service at speeds up to 110 mph, an increase from the current maximum of 79 mph. The Illinois Department of Transportation anticipates operation of some Lincoln Service trains at speeds up to

LaHood Announces $2 Billion for High-Speed Intercity Rail Projects

May 12, 2011 Railfanning.org News Wire

WASHINGTON – U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced $2 billion in high-speed rail awards providing an unprecedented investment to speed up trains in the Northeast Corridor, expand service in the Midwest and provide new, state-of-the-art locomotives and rail cars.

Amtrak Ridership Surges in April

May 12, 2011 Railfanning.org News Wire

WASHINGTON –Amtrak ridership surged in April to be the best April on record and extends the national passenger railroad’s streak to 18 consecutive months of year-over-year ridership growth.

Amtrak Awarded $450 Million to Upgrade New York-Washington High-Speed Rail Service

May 10, 2011 Railfanning.org News Wire

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded Amtrak $450 million in funding to upgrade its rail infrastructure to support more frequent and faster high-speed rail service, and to improve reliability of current service between New York and Washington.

Amtrak Celebrates 40 Years of Serving America

May 4, 2011 Railfanning.org News Wire

WASHINGTON – Forty years ago, on May 1, 1971, Amtrak operated its first intercity passenger train.

Amtrak Installing New Heavy Steel Fence Along High-Speed Tracks in Middle River, Md.

April 26, 2011 Railfanning.org News Wire

WILMINGTON, Del. – Amtrak is installing a heavy steel, 8-foot high, high security fence along a portion of its high-speed tracks in Middle River, Maryland to deter access to the railroad.

Amtrak: Top Five Priorities of Amtrak for Next Surface Transportation Bill

April 14, 2011 Railfanning.org News Wire

WASHINGTON –“The development of intercity passenger rail and Amtrak’s national system should be afforded a significant role in the nation’s federal surface transportation programs,” said Joe McHugh, Amtrak vice president for government affairs and corporate communications in written testimony recently provided to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Railroads.

Amtrak to Continue Normal Operations in the Event of a Federal Government Shutdown

April 9, 2011 Railfanning.org News Wire

WASHINGTON – Amtrak said it will continue normal operation of its national intercity and high-speed passenger rail network in the event of a short-term federal government shutdown.

Amtrak on Track to Set Annual Ridership Record

April 9, 2011 Railfanning.org News Wire

WASHINGTON – March marked 17 consecutive months of year-over-year ridership growth for Amtrak, was the best March ever with more than 2.6 million passengers and puts the railroad on track to set another annual ridership record.