Story at a glance
- Amtrak said it could create more than 30 new routes, ramp up more trips and connect 160 new communities and serve 20 million more passengers.
- The map shows cities that could have access to new routes that are currently unserved, including Las Vegas, Nashville, Columbus and Phoenix.
- “President Biden’s infrastructure plan is what this nation has been waiting for,” Amtrak CEO Bill Flynn said in a statement.
Amtrak has released a map detailing how its rail service could be expanded and improved across the country following President Biden’s infrastructure proposal that includes $80 billion for rail.
The railroad company on Wednesday released a “Amtrak Connects US” fact sheet and map that shows existing routes and lays out where new service lines could be added over the next 15 years with the funding.
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According to the release, Amtrak said it could create more than 30 new routes, enhance more than 20 existing routes and connect 160 new communities. Amtrak said it could serve 20 million more passengers than the 32 million served in 2019.
The map shows cities that could have access to new routes that are currently unserved including Las Vegas, Nashville, Columbus and Phoenix.
If Congress provides the funding, Amtrak said it would also be able to make critical improvements to the Northeast Corridor, which has dozens of bridges, stations and tunnels that are “beyond their design life and in need of immediate replacement or rehabilitation.”
“President Biden’s infrastructure plan is what this nation has been waiting for,” Amtrak CEO Bill Flynn said in a statement.
“With this federal investment, Amtrak will create jobs and improve equity across cities, regions, and the entire country – and we are ready to deliver. America needs a rail network that offers frequent reliable, sustainable and equitable train service.”
Biden Wednesday introduced a sweeping $2 trillion infrastructure and jobs package that includes spending to repair aging roads and bridges, jump-start transit projects and rebuild schools and hospitals. It also includes efforts to shift the nation toward clean energy and expand manufacturing.
“Far too many Americans lack access to affordable public transit — and those who do have access are often met with delays and disruptions,” Biden tweeted Wednesday.
“We have the power to change that, modernize public transit, and expand access for people across the country.”
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