Event Recap: Advancing U.S. Passenger Rail: Amtrak's Role in Driving Economic Growth
By Anthony Cardenas and Dane Nielson, NYU Rudin Center Graduate Research Assistants
On March 4th, 2025, the NYU Rudin Center for Transportation, in partnership with Amtrak, hosted a compelling panel discussion titled "Advancing U.S. Passenger Rail: Amtrak's Role in Driving Economic Growth." This event brought together leading executives from Amtrak, with transportation experts and policymakers in attendance, to examine the pivotal role of passenger rail in shaping the nation’s economic future.
Sarah M. Kaufman, Director of the NYU Rudin Center for Transportation, opened the event by highlighting the importance of rail transportation within the Northeast Corridor, and specifically the New York/New Jersey region. Speaking about the power that rail infrastructure has in connecting communities and fostering economic growth and development, she also highlighted the importance of hosting an all-women panel discussion during Women’s History Month, showcasing women leaders in an historically male-dominated industry.
Nicole Bucich, Vice President of Network Development at Amtrak and Adjunct Professor at NYU Wagner, delivered an opening presentation highlighting Amtrak's organizational strengths, including post-COVID increased ridership and active capital projects nationwide. By establishing the breadth of these initiatives, she set the stage for the panel discussion.
Panelists
- Nicole Bucich, Vice President of Network Development, Amtrak; Adjunct Assistant Professor of Urban Planning at NYU Wagner
- Danelle Hunter, Senior Director of Community Engagement, Amtrak
- Jeannie Kwon, Vice President of Mega Program Development & Coordination, Amtrak
- Anna Lynn Smith, Vice President of Strategy & Planning, Amtrak
The panel was moderated by Sarah Kaufman.
Key Discussion Points
Development within the New York Metropolitan Region
The panelists discussed Amtrak's robust capital program, particularly within the New York region. They highlighted the continuation of ongoing projects such as the Hudson Yards Concrete Casing-Section 3, the Hudson Tunnel Project, and the Portal North Bridge. Together, these projects will create a more reliable and efficient rider experience for Amtrak and its commuter partners, particularly in the 10-mile stretch approaching the Northeast’s central hub, NY Penn Station. Emphasis was placed on the economic impact of these projects, which are expected to create tens of thousands of jobs within the metropolitan area.
Community Engagement
Danelle Hunter spoke about the recently established Office of Community Engagement, emphasizing the importance of being a good neighbor and partner within communities across the country. She highlighted how clearly articulating economic benefits helps develop positive relationships with community stakeholders. This approach leads to construction projects that are better tailored to regional preferences and needs.
Hunter shared an example where Amtrak volunteers worked side by side with community members to clean up a local neighborhood, noting that these direct interactions provided valuable insights through one-on-one conversations.
National Capital Projects and Corridor ID Program
Nicole Bucich discussed the Federal Railroad Administration's (FRA) Corridor Identification and Development Program, describing it as the foundational framework for expansion across the country.
"In December 2023, FRA selected 69 corridors into the program," Bucich explained. "These corridors fall into three main categories: existing corridors that require improvements or expansions, brand-new corridors where no intercity rail service exists today, and high-speed rail corridors."
Bucich highlighted that Amtrak was awarded four corridors under this program:
- Two corridors focused on long-distance service;
- The Long Island Corridor, proposing to extend Northeast Regional service beyond New York to Suffolk County's Ronkonkoma Station; and
- A high-speed rail line between Dallas and Houston.
The panelists emphasized that the majority of future expansions will rely on strong partnerships between Amtrak and state entities, with Amtrak playing a supporting role in helping states bring these projects to life.
Vision and Strategic Growth through 2030 and beyond
When asked about sustaining momentum amid record-breaking ridership under the new administration, the panelists emphasized the critical role of effective messaging.
"Demonstrating progress and proving that Amtrak can be a viable, solid partner helps highlight how we are effectively stewarding taxpayer dollars," Anna Lynn Smith noted. She explained that Amtrak's goal is to double ridership by 2040, as outlined in their strategic blueprint called "2X by 40," which details what will be done, where it will happen, and how Amtrak will achieve a doubling of ridership by the target date.
The panelists agreed that emphasizing efficiency, wise investments, and positioning Amtrak as an integral part of America's mobility solutions will help maintain commitment to projects funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). "By doing so," Smith added, "we can continue advancing our fleet, facilities, stations, and infrastructure projects—not just for the Northeast Corridor, but for the entire country."
High Speed Rail
During the Q&A session, an audience member asked if Americans can expect to see high-speed rail services comparable to those in Europe and Asia in terms of speed, comfort, and customer experience.
Bucich identified several high-speed rail corridors currently in development and potential future routes that have secured funding. "The goal is to bring true high-speed rail to this country," she stated. The panelists agreed that once Americans experience faster forms of rail, there will be no turning back.
They also emphasized a critical infrastructure requirement: "To achieve speeds of 220 mph, you need a dedicated right-of-way," Kwon explained. "That means no crossings, no shared tracks with freight, and no obstacles like animals or vehicles—it has to be fully grade-separated and protected. Achieving that level of infrastructure requires major investment and time."
Conclusion
The event highlighted Amtrak's ambitious vision for the future of passenger rail in America, emphasizing both the challenges and opportunities ahead. Through strategic partnerships, community engagement, and targeted investments, Amtrak aims to transform the nation's rail infrastructure while driving substantial economic benefits across diverse communities.
Photos: ©Kashon Jones: Courtesy of NYU Photo Bureau.