Benefits

Focused on connecting communities, growing jobs, and protecting the environment.

Meeting the Needs of Future Generations

Amtrak’s commitment to meeting the needs of future generations has never been stronger. Our vision is focused on connecting communities, growing jobs, improving congestion, modernizing infrastructure, and addressing the environmental challenges of today and tomorrow.

Expanding Passenger Rail & Reducing Congestion

Expanding passenger rail service will generate $30 billion in direct investments in our communities and reduce carbon emissions by nearly 50% when compared to automobile travel. In addition to the economic benefit and positive impact on our environment, investing in Amtrak benefits everyday Americans and their families.

Investment in passenger rail will help Amtrak riders as well as people and goods traveling by road. To many Americans, highway congestion is the most problematic of all transportation issues. In recent decades, congestion has grown in most urban areas where the average commuter loses more than 40 hours per year (the equivalent of a week of vacation) to highway traffic delays. Without improving our passenger rail system, congestion and delays experienced by automobile and air travelers today will only get worse.

Enhancing Opportunities

Amtrak also will have a meaningful impact in addressing inequalities in America’s public transit system. Expansion to the South and Southwest – where a significant portion of the populations served are low-income households – will bring rail access to underserved communities. Millions of people, including large populations of people of color, do not have access to a reliable, fast, sustainable, and affordable transportation option. This is just not fair or equitable. Amtrak will enhance opportunities by utilizing our supplier diversity programs to support small businesses, particularly minority-owned businesses, and encourage equity.

A Catalyst for Growing the Economy

As the nation works to grow the economy, address social justice, and improve environmental sustainability – passenger rail is poised to be a catalyst for expansion by connecting what’s important – our people and our cities. The net economic benefit of this investment is expected to reach $8 billion annually by 2035, with an additional $195 billion in economic activity generated by capital investments. Over 26,000 ongoing permanent jobs will be created or supported by this effort.