Passenger Bus, Rail and Motorcoach Industry News

Was the single best month ever in the history of the service. October, December and January each set individual monthly records as well.

Partnership advances each of their respective HSR programs, and could create efficiencies by ordering trains of similar specifications and develop a U.S. standard for HSR train equipment that can be manufactured and supplied domestically and produced for the rest of the world. An RFP could be issued by September, 2013 with an order placed during 2014.

Amtrak also plans to upgrade electrical wiring and signals on a straight, high-speed section of the Northeast Corridor from New Brunswick to just south of Trenton.

Adding a new weekday Acela Express round-trip between New York and Washington, D.C., beginning on Jan. 28. The service will also make stops in Baltimore, Wilmington, Del.; Philadelphia, and Newark, N.J., and offer reserved Business Class and First Class service options.

In addition, Amtrak is in the process of setting up business lines for long distance, state corridor and commuter operations.

Locations in Maryland/Delaware, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Massachusetts may at some future time experience regular 160 mph service. Tests utilize high-speed Acela Express equipment and measure the interaction between the train and the track, rider quality and other safety factors.

Through 11 months of FY 2012, total Amtrak ridership is up 3.4% as compared to the same period last year. When the current fiscal year ends on September 30, Amtrak expects a new annual ridership record will be set, surpassing the current record of 30.2 million passengers established in FY 2011.

Forecasts a 25% increase in ridership and revenue over 2010 projections. Also discusses key findings from the recently completed NEC Business and Financial Plan to guide Amtrak on how to potentially fund and finance its integrated vision for the NEC.

Environmental Impact Statement to evaluate potential passenger rail improvements between Washington, D.C. and Boston.

The new launch date is nearly a year earlier than planned. Trip time between Norfolk and Washington should be about 4½ hours.