AR255

An Assembly Resolution commemorating the 50th anniversary of Amtrak.

Whereas, In the mid-20th century, the United States began experiencing major changes in the transportation industry with the rise of federally subsidized air travel and highway systems shifting passenger travel away from heavily regulated private intercity passenger rail; and

Whereas, Passenger rail travel via private carriers fell from 107,000 passenger service route miles in 1958 to 49,000 passenger service route miles in 1970, leading to lost revenue and contributing to the discontinuation of much intercity passenger rail service; and

Whereas, As private carriers steadily discontinued service, most notably, the filing of the Penn Central Railroad to discontinue 34 of its passenger routes in 1970, it became clear that passenger service was no longer viable as a private enterprise, and in order to preserve passenger rail service, the United States Congress passed the “Rail Passenger Service Act of 1970” creating the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, also known as Amtrak, to assume control of much of the privately operated intercity passenger rail service; and

Whereas, The first Amtrak operated passenger train departed New York City for Philadelphia on May 1, 1971 and Amtrak initially operated rail service in 43 states; and

Whereas, As Amtrak brought stability to the passenger route network, private carriers continued to struggle, and following the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976, Amtrak began to own and operate notable rail rights of way and acquired the bulk of the Northeast Corridor; and

Whereas, In furtherance of its original goal to provide fast and comfortable transportation, Amtrak has continuously invested in increased efficiency, including self-serve ticketing machines and eTickets; fuel efficient, electric, and bi-level train cars; various updates to the locomotives such as high speed trains that can now reach speeds of 200 miles per hour; various updates to infrastructure such as track, signaling systems, and stations; an updated Safety Management System (SMS); and various additions to customer experience such as meals, entertainment, and wireless internet access; and

Whereas, Amtrak continues to expand service to new destinations across the country, currently owning six stations in New Jersey, making the State a vital part of Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor, connecting major cities from Boston to the District of Columbia; and

Whereas, Amtrak now has over 17,000 employees and operates a railroad system that connects over 500 destinations in 46 states, Washington D.C., and 3 Canadian Provinces; and

Whereas, May 1, 2021 marked 50 years of passenger rail innovation by Amtrak; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. This House commemorates the 50th anniversary of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, also known as Amtrak, and recognizes the importance of accessible passenger rail service in connecting communities across the United States of America.

2. Copies of this resolution as filed with the Secretary of State shall be transmitted by the Clerk of the General Assembly to the United States Secretary of Transportation and the Chief Executive Officer of Amtrak.

STATEMENT

This resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, also known as Amtrak. In the mid-20th century, the transportation industry experienced major changes with federally funded air travel and highway systems, leading to the decline of many privately owned passenger rail lines. Created by the Rail Passenger Service Act of 1970, Amtrak was tasked with the operation and preservation of 21 formerly private routes in 43 states. The first Amtrak train ran from New York City to Philadelphia on May 1, 1971.

Throughout Amtrak’s 50-year history, the company has transported millions of commuters and travelers to over 500 destinations across the United States of America. New Jersey supports six Amtrak owned stations, assuming a critical role along the Northeast Corridor, the Amtrak line that connects major cities along the east coast, from Boston, Massachusetts to Washington D.C. Amtrak has continuously evolved using technological and mechanical advances to provide safe and accessible passenger rail service to the United States and Canada, and works to expand service to new destinations each year. May 1, 2021 marked 50 years of passenger rail service by Amtrak.