Historical Line Connects Pittsburgh to Harrisburg; Allows Travels to Reach Chicago and New York by Train
Agreement Reached to Keep Line Operational
Washington, DC - Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that an agreement has been reached between Amtrak and PennDot to keep the Pittsburgh to Harrisburg line operational. This route travels from Pittsburgh through several towns and cities in western Pennsylvania to Harrisburg and allows passengers to travel to New York or Chicago on the same train. This route has seen a significant increase in ridership in recent years and provides a reliable service for residents of Western Pennsylvania. Earlier this week, Casey sent a letter to Amtrak urging them to work with the state to preserve the line.
“I’m pleased that an agreement has been reached to preserve the Pittsburgh to Harrisburg line,” Senator Casey said. “Rail transportation is a key part of our state’s economy and this news is a win for travelers and businesses who use this line.”
The full text of Senator Casey’s letter can be found below:
Mr. Joseph Boardman
President and CEO
Amtrak
900 2nd Street NE
Washington, DC 20002
Dear Mr. Boardman:
I urge you to work with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) in order to continue service of Amtrak’s Pennsylvanian line. This route serves as an important link for travelers between Chicago and New York and is relied upon as an alternative form of transportation to traverse the Commonwealth. Moving forward, I strongly encourage you to work with PennDOT to ensure that this route is able to remain operational.
Over the past 20 years, Amtrak’s Pennsylvanian line has had a 32.5 percent increase of riders and I expect that more people will take advantage of this service in the future. This route is crucial to the long term economic competitiveness of Pennsylvania and spurs job creation in the areas along the line. Additionally, the Pennsylvanian route has a rich history and boasts the impressive Horseshoe Curve, a national landmark.
Please work closely with all interested parties to protect this route for years to come. Feel free to contact me directly with any questions or concerns and keep me apprised as your conversations with PennDOT continue. I look forward to working with you to reach an amicable solution.
Sincerely,
Robert P. Casey, Jr.
United States Senator
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