Amtrak releases proposed Pennsylvania improvements

© Shutterstock

Amtrak recently released proposed enhancements to the Northeast Corridor, including Pennsylvania.

A total of 1.8 million riders rode the Keystone and Pennsylvanian routes during fiscal year 2019.

Amtrak proposes adding three new services in the state. The rail line estimates the three routes would require a capital investment of $2.7 million and would contribute $6 billion in incremental economic activity from the investment and generate $200 million in annual economic impact.

By 2035, an estimated 1.3 million riders would use the lines annually.

The three new lines would provide two daily round trips between Allentown and New York City; three daily round trips between Scranton and New York City; and three daily round trips between Reading, Philadelphia and New York City.

The Pennsylvanian line would expand to provide two daily round trips between Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and New York City. One round trip would extend to Cleveland.

The Keystone line would expand to provide 17 daily round trips between Harrisburg, Philadelphia and New York City. The trip between Harrisburg and Philadelphia would increase to 125 miles per hour.

Amtrak executives recently met virtually with Gov. Tom Wolf, congressional members, and local leaders to discuss the proposal.

Amtrak proposes adding 39 new routes and improving 25 existing routes nationwide.