Bloomberg Talks Amtrak President Roger Harris Talks Investing $4.5B into Upgrades, Northeast Corridor
Jun 27, 2025
Amtrak's President dives into a monumental $4.5 billion investment plan aimed at upgrading the Northeast Corridor amid funding cuts. He discusses the challenges faced during the pandemic and the shift from $800 million to a significant boost in funding. Key infrastructure projects like the Frederick Douglass Tunnel are highlighted, showcasing collaborative efforts for efficient execution. The conversation also compares the reliability of train travel to airlines, revealing Amtrak's commitment to enhancing customer experience.
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Shift in Northeast Corridor Funding
- Amtrak's capital spending on the Northeast Corridor jumped sharply from $800 million to $4.5 billion between 2019 and 2023.
- Funding shifted from primarily operating earnings to more congressional appropriations post-COVID.
Complexity in Funding Sources
- Increased operating earnings contribute hundreds of millions annually to Northeast Corridor projects.
- State-supported trains on the Northeast Corridor get reinvestment funds from both Northeast Corridor and National Network appropriations.
Collaborate to Sustain Projects
- Amtrak is collaborating with the administration to reduce project costs and find common ground for continuing vital infrastructure projects.
- Examples include progress on the Connecticut River Bridge and cost-reduction efforts for the Frederick Douglass Tunnel and Newark's dock bridge.