Video: Amtrak Ridership Soars

This CBS News video interviews passengers, as they are working, aboard Amtrak's Acela between NYC and Washington DC. New Jersey Senator Frank Lautenberg who has proposed legislation, and Amtrak CEO Alexander Kummant are also interviewed.

1 minute read

February 14, 2008, 5:00 AM PST

By Irvin Dawid


"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.

Sunday, February 10, 2008 in CBS News

View of Interstate 205 bridge over Columbia River with Mt. Hood in background.

The Unceremonious Death of a Freeway Expansion Project

The end of an Oregon freeway project didn't get much fanfare, but the victory is worth celebrating.

September 19, 2023 - Streetsblog USA

A derelict sign on a barbed wire fence reads “Golf Course, Private, No Admittance.”

Converting Golf Courses to Housing Never as Easy as the Market Would Like

Thousands of golf courses have closed in recent years, but the obvious redevelopment opportunity represented by many defunct courses isn’t always easy to realize.

September 19, 2023 - The Business Journals

Chicago Intercity Rail

Amtrak Ramping Up Infrastructure Projects

Thanks to federal funding from the 2021 infrastructure act, the agency plans to triple its investment in infrastructure improvements and new routes in the next two years.

September 25, 2023 - Smart Cities Dive

Close-up of Unalakleet, Alaska on map.

FTA Announces Tribal Transit Program Grants

The agency awarded close to $10 million to 22 communities around the country for transit improvements.

September 27 - Mass Transit

View from inside glass top floor of Amtrak passenger train with Rocky Mountains scenery outside.

Making Colorado’s Front Range Rail a Reality

Local leaders are scrambling to bring together the funding and political support to create new intercity rail service in the fast-growing region.

September 27 - Governing

Students walking on sunny walkway on college campus.

How College Campuses Fulfill an Urbanist Dream

Most college campuses in the United States are inherently walkable, mixing various uses with diverse housing options and transit networks.

September 27 - The Daily

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.