Amtrak

OAKLAND – Amtrak announced the appointment of Patrick Merrill to the position of Assistant Vice President, Policy and Development – West.

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

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