Over Past 20 Years PA Line Ridership Has Increased 32.5%
Washington DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) sent a letter to Joseph Boardman, President and CEO of Amtrak, urging the agency to work with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to preserve the Pittsburgh to Harrisburg line. Over the past 20 years, Amtrak’s Pennsylvanian line has had a 32.5 percent increase of riders, and features Horseshoe Curve, a national landmark.
“Reliable and efficient transportation is critical to Pennsylvania’s economy,” Senator Casey said. “The Pennsylvania line that runs from Pittsburgh to Harrisburg is an important route and I’m strongly urging Amtrak to work with PennDOT so it can continue.”
The full text of Senator Casey’s letter can be seen below:
Mr. Joseph Boardman
President and CEO
Amtrak
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 competiveness 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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