For the first time in its history, Amtrak’s ridership in the NYC-Washington passenger market was higher than that of airline shuttles. The railroad said that in the last quarter of 2001, its high-speed Acela trains helped it capture 52% of the NYC-Washington combined air and rail market. Amtrak said Acela’s success suggests that, with more federal support, a well-maintained and expanded intercity rail service could capture larger numbers of passengers. However, it remains to be seen how much of the ridership spike Amtrak will retain as we move away from Sept. 11. 

“This nation spends more money annually on cleaning up roadkill and on salt for snow removal than on passenger rail,” outgoing Amtrak president George Warrington told the Associated Press.

Which Way for Inter-City Travel ?  (August 20, 2001)  

Around the Region (March 12, 1999)

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