Amtrak's Role in U.S. Transportation: State-by-State Access and Expansion Efforts
Amtrak plays a crucial role in the U.S. transportation system, but many states have limited access to its train services, and some states have no service at all. Newsweek data shows that most states have only a few Amtrak routes, with more than half having fewer than three routes passing through. Amtrak is the largest high-speed rail provider in the U.S., carrying over 30 million passengers annually, with significant state and federal subsidies focused on maintaining the busy Northeast Corridor.
Amtrak operates 39 routes across the country, with connections to Canada in the northeast. States like Alaska, Hawaii, Wyoming, and South Dakota do not have any Amtrak rail service. New York has the highest number of routes at 14, benefiting from its status as a financial and tourism hub. Illinois follows with 12 routes, leveraging Chicago's transportation hub status in the Midwest. Many routes, like the Texas Eagle and California Zephyr, terminate in Chicago, connecting to other parts of the U.S.
States in the South and West have major routes passing through them. Nevada, Arizona, Idaho, North Dakota, and Montana have one major service each, with final destinations in neighboring states. The Northeast Corridor, running from Boston to Washington, D.C., saw over 14 million riders in fiscal year 2024, a 15.9 percent increase from the previous year. Amtrak is focused on meeting the growing demand, investing in infrastructure, and creating jobs with federal support.
Amtrak is currently engaged in significant construction projects along the Northeast Corridor, where most of its tracks are located. The company aims to strengthen the economy, create jobs, and position the U.S. as a global leader in rail transportation. With ongoing investments and partnerships with states, Amtrak is poised to enhance its services and expand its network, benefiting passengers across the country.