Amtrak revamps NEC business approach

Amtrak Tuesday said it was merging its planning and development efforts involving its existing Northeast Corridor with its proposed new dedicated 220 mph high speed rail plans for the NEC and elsewhere.

Amtrak’s “new Northeast Corridor Infrastructure and Investment Development business line … will bring together all Amtrak funding, policy, and planning decisions regarding NEC improvements and ensure that the continued development of high-speed rail is a critical element of Amtrak’s plans for the Corridor,” the company said.

“The NEC is Amtrak’s premier asset and expanding high-speed rail service is essential to maximizing its success,” said President and CEO Joseph Boardman. “The NEC requires more capacity, greater connectivity and increased operating speeds for all Corridor users. Improving and expanding our high speed rail capabilities is central to achieving those goals.”

As part of the new setup, Amtrak on Tuesday named Stephen Gardner vice president of NEC Infrastructure and Investment Development, effective immediately. Gardner had served as vice president of Policy and Development. As well, Amtrak Vice President of High-Speed Rail Al Engel will leave Amtrak in December to pursue other opportunities, assisting in the transition prior to his departure, Amtrak said.

“Stephen has extensive experience and understanding of the NEC and the needs of its customers, and is keenly aware that improving the NEC for all users and building a 220 mph system will require both public investment and private finance,” said Boardman, reiterating his belief that public/private partnerships will prove crucial to any Amtrak HSR future.

Besides focusing on coordinating, managing and developing Amtrak-owned infrastructure in the Northeast, the new business unit is charged with maximizing financial performance and preparing for future operations involving numerous parties besides Amtrak, such as regional rail tenants and freight railroad service.

By year’s end, Amtrak intends to release an update to its NEC vision plan which integrates planned improvements to the existing Corridor with the proposed development of a next-generation HSR system. The updated report will incorporate the significant advancements in planning and conceptual development that have occurred during the past year with new analysis of the conceptual alignment, ridership, revenue, operations and maintenance costs projections, and capital investment needs.