Amtrak launches 'History' site
Features a collection of historic photographs, ads, route guides, timetable covers and other resources from employees that celebrates Amtrak’s more than 40 years as the nation’s intercity passenger rail provider.
Amtrak recently launched a new website, History.Amtrak.com, dedicated to providing a view into its extensive archive and is a place to share in its rich history.
The site features a collection of historic photographs, ads, route guides, timetable covers and other resources from employees that celebrates Amtrak’s more than 40 years as the nation’s intercity passenger rail provider. The public is encouraged to share their memorabilia by using the contact link on the site where direction will be provided on how to provide specific items.
“Amtrak is woven into the fabric of America, providing a vital transportation service to the nation and connecting families and communities as part of an amazing and unfolding history,” said President/CEO Joe Boardman. “We are thrilled to share our history and look forward to adding items to create a thorough, robust resource for employees, researchers and the general public.”
In addition to the archives, the site offers a guided tour through Amtrak’s history by decade. A frequently updated blog provides year-by-year highlights, a look at recently uploaded items and a recap of the Amtrak 40th Anniversary Exhibit Train’s cross-country journey in 2011 and 2012. In addition to contributed memorabilia, the site will be adding content including annual reports, Congressional testimonies and ridership and revenue figures.
The digital and physical archives have been compiled and organized with the assistance of the Special Collections Research Center at The George Washington University.
More Rail

Trinity Metro Breaks Ground on $270M TEXRail Extension
The 2.1-mile extension will connect Fort Worth’s Medical District and Near Southside to downtown, surrounding communities, and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.
Read More →
Bringing Austin’s First Light Rail System to Life
Austin Transit Partnership CEO Greg Canally discusses the city's nearly 10-mile light rail project, its collaborative approach to project delivery, the importance of community engagement, and the milestones ahead as construction approaches in 2027.
Read More →
Metra Draft Plan Outlines Costs, Service Improvements for Regional Rail
The Systemwide Network Plan identifies infrastructure needs and potential investments to expand all-day, bidirectional rail service across the Chicago region.
Read More →
Amtrak Completes First Street Tunnel Upgrades, Restores Service
The nine-day construction project included replacing aging track infrastructure and modernizing switch systems near Washington Union Station.
Read More →
FRA Announces $2.3B for Passenger, Freight Rail Projects Nationwide
The CRISI Grant Program funding will support rail infrastructure improvements, safety upgrades, and projects aimed at improving freight and passenger rail service across 45 states and Washington, D.C.
Read More →
Caltrain’s Electrification Drives a New Era of Ridership Growth
The railroad’s shift to electric service has brought more frequent trains, stronger customer satisfaction, and increased ridership, earning it APTA’s Outstanding Public Transportation System award.
Read More →
FTA Advances $164M Broward County Commuter Rail Project
The proposed 10.5-mile commuter rail extension would connect Fort Lauderdale and Aventura, expanding passenger rail options in South Florida.
Read More →
New York MTA Launches Historic $1.9B Signal, Track Modernization Project
Funded in part by congestion pricing revenue, the project will replace nearly century-old signals along the A and C lines in Brooklyn and Queens.
Read More →
LA Metro Breaks Ground on East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Project
The 6.7-mile line will add 11 stations along Van Nuys Boulevard, expand access to jobs and regional transit connections, and support Metro’s broader efforts to improve mobility as rail ridership grows.
Read More →
CSA Group Releases Climate Resilience Standard for Transit, Passenger Rail
Developed with support from the Standards Council of Canada, CSA D700 guides assessing climate-related risks and planning adaptation measures for transit and passenger rail systems.
Read More →