The Honorable Norman Mineta
Secretary
U.S. Department of Transportation
400 Seventh and D Streets, NW
Washington, DC 20560

Dear Mr. Secretary:

The Coalition of Northeastern Governors (CONEG), joined by Governor Glendening, are encouraged that positive steps are being taken to ensure that intercity and commuter passenger rail operations in this country are not disrupted as Amtrak seeks a solution to its imminent financial crisis.

Amtrak provides essential operations and services for intercity and commuter travel in the 12 states served by the Northeast Corridor and its feeder lines. Over 70,000 intercity passengers use Amtrak service daily between Washington and Boston; and another 30,000 intercity passengers use the Northeast Corridor services to travel to points South, West and North. Over 800,000 daily commuters from Boston to Washington, DC would also be affected if Amtrak is unable to operate and maintain the infrastructure used by commuter railroads, or honor its contracts with states to operate commuter service. The states and commuter railroads cannot provide alternative travel options for these hundreds of thousands of travelers, even for a short period of time. In addition, important freight rail operations use the Northeast Corridor to serve communities and industrial sites in the region.

Passenger rail services are vital for a region where mobility and economic activity have already been hard hit by disruptions in aviation service. The events of September 11 underscored the importance of passenger rail to the mobility and economy of the Northeast and the nation. At a time of heightened concern about security and public safety, Amtrak operations, including dispatching, maintenance and security services, are essential for the safety and security of this vital rail infrastructure.

We urge the Administration, Congress and Amtrak to work together for a timely and effective resolution of Amtrak’s short-term finances.

Regards,
 

Identical letters were sent to Congressional leadership, authorizing committees, and to Amtrak.