Amtrak

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Amtrak

Boardman: ‘Amtrak Long-distance Trains are Running Strong’

March 9, 2010 Railfanning.org News Wire
WASHINGTON – Amtrak’s long-distance trains are attracting more passengers as Amtrak continues to implement its comprehensive and multi-year Route Performance Improvement (RPI) program, officials said. “Amtrak long-distance trains are running strong,” President and CEO Joseph Boardman said. “We are making changes, improving our service and passengers are responding favorably.” Boardman noted total ridership on Amtrak’s 15 long-distance trains reached nearly 4.2 million in fiscal year 2009, an increase of 13 percent from fiscal year 2006. During the same period, the on-time performance of long-distance trains improved from 30 percent to 75 percent contributing to higher customer satisfaction scores, increasing from
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Amtrak

Amtrak Applauds DOT for TIGER Grants

February 18, 2010 Railfanning.org News Wire
WASHINGTON — Amtrak said it “applauds the U.S. Department of Transportation for once again recognizing the importance of intercity passenger rail as a vital component of this nation’s transportation system.” “Routes served by Amtrak will be among the beneficiaries of the state and locally sponsored passenger rail improvement projects selected to receive Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grants,” the railroad said in a statement. “In particular, grants for projects aimed at reducing or eliminating rail congestion choke points in Chicago will support Amtrak on-time performance and station improvements in New York City, Normal, Ill., and St. Paul, Minn., will enhance
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Amtrak Enhances Security Measures in Pacific Northwest for Winter Games

February 9, 2010 Railfanning.org News Wire
SEATTLE – With two daily Amtrak Cascades trains operating to Vancouver, B.C., Amtrak is stepping up its overall security measures in the Pacific Northwest as part of its preparation for the 2010 Winter Games. “Amtrak is working closely with our partners to provide passengers a safe and secure journey during the Games,” said Amtrak Police Chief John O’Connor, noting increased passenger ridership and activities are expected. Amtrak Police is supporting local, state and federal counterterrorism efforts including participating in U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Visible Intermodal Prevention & Response (VIPR) teams that bring to bear specialized capabilities in monitoring for
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Major Upgrades Set for East and West Coast Amtrak Maintenance Facilities

February 9, 2010 Railfanning.org News Wire
WASHINGTON – Amtrak is awarding two contracts with a combined value of $49.5 million for major upgrades of its maintenance facilities located in Los Angeles, Calif., and in Hialeah, Fla., near Miami. The so-called American Recovery and Reinvestment Act economic stimulus program is funding both projects. “Amtrak is committed to making the investments needed to keep our equipment clean and in good working order for our passengers and state partners,” President and CEO Joe Boardman said. He also noted each upgraded facility will be modern, efficient and capable of handling the current work levels as well as projected future service