In response to recent calls for reform and uncertainty over long-term funding for intercity passenger rail, the Newark Regional Business Partnership and other business interests along the Northeast Corridor (NEC) commissioned the Alan M. Voorhees Transportation Center of Rutgers University to develop a Northeast Corridor Action Plan. This Action Plan recommends an approach to longterm institutional, operational and financial reforms through a federal-state partnership that ensures continued reliable passenger service along the Northeast Corridor, accountability for Amtraks management of and operations on the NEC, and recognizes the current and future role of the states and the commuter rail agencies. While this Action Plan focuses primarily on the NEC, the proposed federal-state partnership model, complemented by supplemental funding, could be adapted to other intercity corridors and serve as a stimulus for breaking the stalemate regarding the future federal role concerning intercity rail, both intercity and long distance.
Abstract