[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 10089]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



              IN RECOGNITION OF AMTRAK'S 30TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 6, 2001

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Amtrak on its 
30th Anniversary. On May 1, 1971, Amtrak began operations at a time 
when passenger rail service in America seemed to be fading into the 
past, destined to take its place in American history. But when Amtrak 
was created thirty years ago, there came an opportunity for passenger 
rail service to play a role in addressing America's transportation 
needs.
  Today, with congestion dominating our highways and skies, and with 
airline delays and gas prices reaching record levels, wary travelers 
have turned to rail service for relief. And Amtrak has succeed in 
providing travelers with a quality alternative to every-day 
transportation headaches.
  Amtrak has worked hard to understand the needs of passengers. It 
understands that people want to travel safely and comfortably, that 
people want to reach their destinations on time, and that people do not 
want to pay excessive fares. Because of this understanding, Amtrak is 
currently experiencing a tremendous growth in ridership: just last 
year, Amtrak logged a record 22.5 million trips, making Amtrak the 
ninth largest commercial passenger carrier in the United States.
  To meet the demands of increased ridership, Amtrak has been working 
hard to make improvements to its infrastructure. In New Jersey, as well 
as throughout the Northeast, Amtrak's Northeast Corridor service 
provides an essential link between regional businesses and communities. 
To maintain its commitment to the region, Amtrak is working with the 
New Jersey Transit Authority (NJTRANSIT) to build and improve rail 
lines and tunnels. NJ TRANSIT and Amtrak are in the process of 
completing improvements to Newark Penn Station, and construction of the 
Newark International Airport Station, which will create a link between 
the airport and the Nation's busiest rail line. These improvements to 
local infrastructure will further empower local communities and the 
region's economy.
  Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Amtrak's 
commitment to passenger rail service on its 30th Anniversary.

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