In a hearing before the Senate Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security, Amtrak CEO Wick Moorman called for a new era of investment in company’s infrastructure, fleet, and stations, which are critical to the operations and future growth of passenger rail.
During his speech, Moorman outlined 5 projects that warrant significant investment including the construction of the Portal North Bridge and new Hudson Tunnels, the construction of new B&P Tunnel and Susquehanna Bridge in Maryland, the expansion and improvement of Chicago and Washington Union Stations, a new or rebuilt diesel locomotives fleet and the construction of track, signaling, and other improvements.
The CEO urged Congress and the Administration to consider the many ways in which the Federal government can advance intercity passenger rail service through direct investments, public-private partnerships and innovative financing, streamlining of the environmental review process and removal of red tape.
Moorman noted that in FY 2016 Amtrak had record ridership of more than 31 million passengers and ticket revenues of USD 2.2 billion. For its development, Amtrak needs additional support from Congress and the Administration. After 45 years of service, many of Amtrak’s assets are at the end of their useful life. For example, Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor, with 584 km of Amtrak-owned infrastructure, is North America’s busiest railway with 2,200 daily high-speed, commuter and freight trains, but was largely built over 100 years ago.
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