Video: Amtrak Ridership Soars

"Traveling by train has become a growing and reliable alternative to flying. In 2007, Amtrak serviced 26 million people, the most in its history."

As airlines are experiencing increasing delays, many travelers in the northeast are turning toward train travel.

Acela, America's closest version of 'high speed rail', has the highest reliability of any Amtrak line, and the ridership reflects it. Senator Lautenberg is pushing legislation to double Amtrak's subsidy, currently stuck at the 1980 level. The subsidy dwarfs that received by competing modes.

The video also touches on Amtrak's plans to improve regional service, including the Keystone service between Harrisburg and Philadelphia, and looks and true high speed rail lines from overseas.