Tier 1 Draft EIS Page | 13-1

13. Glossary

Table 13-1 lists terminology and usage that is specific to NEC FUTURE or that is general in nature In 

addition, the table includes information describing the NEC FUTURE Study Area and its many 

variations. 

Table 13-1: Frequently Used Terminology

Term Comments

Action Alternatives Refers to the alternatives that recommend new changes to the passenger 

railroad system and are compared to the No Action Alternative.

Affected Environment The Affected Environment is defined as a swath centered on the Representative 

Route. The width of the Affected Environment swath varies based on the 

resource; it is at least 2,000 feet wide. In some cases, the Affected Environment

encompasses the entire Study Area. The Affected Environment is the area in 

which existing conditions and Environmental Consequences are identified for 

each of the Action Alternatives.

Alternatives (Initial, 

Preliminary, Reasonable)

See brief descriptions for each of these types of alternatives.

area of potential effects

(APE)

Term specific to compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic 

Preservation Act (54 USC § 306101 et seq.) and implementing regulations (36 CFR 

Part 800.16(d)), “Area of potential effects means the geographic area or areas 

within which an undertaking may directly or indirectly cause alterations in the 

character or use of historic properties, if any such properties exist. The area of 

potential effects is influenced by the scale and nature of an undertaking and may 

be different for different kinds of effects caused by the undertaking.”

at grade Railroad tracks or roads and railroad tracks can cross at ground level. When a 

train crosses another set of tracks at grade, it momentarily blocks other trains 

from using those tracks. Conversely, an underpass, tunnel, or flyover allows a 

train to cross other tracks without passing through them, thereby ensuring free 

flow of traffic on both sets of tracks.

At-grade construction is used where the topography is flat and where existing 

highway and roadway rights-of-way are grade separated on aerial structures 

above the tracks. 

ballast Ballast is the layer of foundation beneath railroad tracks that is composed of 

crushed stone. Ballast prevents the tracks from shifting under train traffic and 

allows the track surface to drain properly.
13. 2BGlossary

Page | 13-2 Tier 1 Draft EIS

Table 13-1: Frequently Used Terminology (continued)

Term Comments

base year Base-year conditions (often referred to as “existing conditions”) are presented 

in each of the resource areas analyzed in this Tier 1 Draft EIS. Base year is the 

current year for analysis purposes and to the extent possible, is standardized 

across resource areas based on availability of data. Some resource areas present 

the latest population and employment data, performance measures (travel 

time, capacity, frequency, etc.), and ridership numbers, with these then 

compared against projected values in the 2040 horizon year under the No 

Action and Action Alternatives. Similar base-year descriptions of conditions 

within the defined Affected Environment are provided for each of the 

environmental impact categories (e.g., Land Use, Hydrologic/Water Resources, 

Cultural Resources and Historic Properties, ) to set the stage for assessment of 

potential impacts under each alternative in the horizon year analyses.

Basic Infrastructure 

(investment category)

The routine capital investments that must be made each year to keep the 

Northeast Corridor’s structures and systems functioning properly and in a state

of good repair for safe train operations. The category includes renewal or 

replacement of rails, ties, ballast, communication systems, electric traction 

power systems, under-grade bridges, and other similar items. Basic 

Infrastructure investments may perform normalized replacement and eliminate 

the Basic Infrastructure backlog.

capacity The number of trains (and/or riders) that can pass through an area in a certain 

period of time (e.g., trains per hour), depending on the quantity and 

configuration of tracks. A section of rail is said to be “at capacity” when it can 

accommodate no additional trains during busy hours. For example, both of the 

single-track tunnels below the Hudson River carry their maximum of 24 trains 

per hour during peak travel times.

catenary Electrical wires suspended above railroad tracks from which passing trains draw 

power using a mechanical arm called a pantograph mounted on top of a train.

CEQ Pilot Program See “Early Engagement with Resource Agencies.”

commuter rail service As defined by the Code of Federal Regulations, “short-haul rail passenger 

transportation in metropolitan and suburban areas usually having reduced fare, 

multiple ride, and commuter tickets and morning and evening peak period 

operations” (49 U.S.C. 24102(3)).

In the context of NEC FUTURE, this term refers to existing service. For all Action 

Alternatives, “Regional rail” refers to service within a metropolitan area.

connecting corridor Passenger rail corridor that connects directly to another rail corridor (in this 

instance, the NEC) via a station transfer or through-train service. See “Northeast 

Corridor connecting corridor” and “Study Area connecting corridor” for 

variations on this term.
13. 2BGlossary

Tier 1 Draft EIS Page | 13-3

Table 13-1: Frequently Used Terminology (continued)

Term Comments

Context Area The Context Area is a 5-mile-wide swath centered on a Representative Route

and surrounds the Affected Environment. The purpose of the Context Area is to 

provide a qualitative assessment of resource-specific potential indirect effects or 

the direct effects should the footprints of the Representative Routes shift during 

future stages of planning. 

conventional rail Intercity trains that travel at speeds of 125 mph or slower. Though definitions of 

conventional and high-speed rail vary, for the purposes of this Tier 1 Draft EIS, all 

non-Acela Express Amtrak trains that operate on the NEC (i.e., Northeast 

Regional, Keystone, etc.) are referred to as conventional rail.

core market area See also “market area.”

The core travel market area addresses all travel within the NEC Spine service 

area, from the Greater Washington, D.C., area to the Greater Boston, MD, area 

and all points in between, including the New York City metropolitan area. North 

of New York City, the core market area includes the NEC Spine “shore line” via 

Providence, RI, and the so-called “Inland Route” via Springfield, MA. This marketbased definition extends beyond the cities of Washington, D.C., and Boston, MA, 

where the NEC Spine rail service terminates at Washington Union Station and 

Boston South Station, respectively, to include Northern Virginia and 

Southeastern New Hampshire, which are also part of the greater metropolitan 

areas and within the catchment area of the NEC services and stations.

culverts Small structures beneath the railroad that allow for proper drainage and prevent 

pools of water from degrading the quality of the track.

cumulative impact This term is used in documentation pertaining to the Tier 1 EIS. “Cumulative 

impact” is the impact on the environment that results from the incremental 

impact of the action when added to other past, present, and reasonably 

foreseeable future actions regardless of what agency (federal or non-federal) or 

person undertakes such other actions. Cumulative impacts can result from 

individually minor but collectively significant actions taking place over a period 

of time.

curve modification

(infrastructure element)

A shift or straightening of existing NEC track alignments to improve speeds, 

including straightening a curve or eliminating the curve entirely. Curve 

modifications address the compromised performance of the existing NEC by 

reducing, or eliminating speed restrictions at certain locations along the NEC.

data collection geography The geographic area for which data were collected as part of the NEC FUTURE 

data collection effort. Generally, the FRA collected data for the entirety of 

Washington, D.C., Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, 

Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. The standard for referencing this 

geography is to orient from south to north.
13. 2BGlossary

Page | 13-4 Tier 1 Draft EIS

Table 13-1: Frequently Used Terminology (continued)

Term Comments

Data Viewer The GIS-based tool developed for NEC FUTURE. The Data Viewer provides a 

standardized base map for viewing data across the entire Study Area in layers 

created for each resource. The Data Viewer includes reference data for all 

sources incorporated in its database.

direct effects This term is used in documentation pertaining to the Tier 1 EIS. Direct effects are 

caused by the action and occur at the same time and place.

Early Engagement with 

Resource and Regulatory 

Agencies

This term describes the engagement activities that the FRA has undertaken with 

federal and state resource and regulatory agencies to develop a shared 

understanding of NEC FUTURE and the agencies’ needs and concerns. This effort 

was specifically initiated under the CEQ Pilot Program during Phase 1

(http://www.necfuture.com/environmental/ceq.aspx).

Empire Corridor The existing rail corridor connecting Penn Station New York in New York City, NY,

and Buffalo, NY. The corridor is owned by Amtrak, CSX Transportation, Inc., and 

the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Metro-North Railroad. Amtrak 

provides Empire and Maple Leaf service for the entire length of the corridor, and 

the Metro-North Railroad Hudson Line provides Regional rail service from 

Poughkeepsie, NY, to New York City.

Only the segment from New York City to Albany (Rensselaer Station), NY, is 

included within the NEC FUTURE Study Area.

existing conditions Existing conditions is defined as the current condition of a resource.

extended market area See also “market area.”

The extended travel market area addresses all travel between the NEC Spine 

service area and areas served by the connecting and/or extended through 

services that operate off of the spine to/from Norfolk/Newport News, VA; 

Lynchburg, VA; Harrisburg, PA; Albany, NY; Brunswick, ME and other nearby 

places. Travel entirely within these off-spine areas, however, is not addressed. 

For example, while travel between Richmond, VA, and New York City is 

addressed by the study, travel between Richmond and Fredericksburg, VA, is 

not. 
13. 2BGlossary

Tier 1 Draft EIS Page | 13-5

Table 13-1: Frequently Used Terminology (continued)

Term Comments

external market area See also “market area.”

The external travel market area includes longer-distance corridor service and 

long-distance intercity trains that travel to/from NEC markets and thus use 

existing and future operating slots along the NEC Spine. This includes existing 

and proposed corridor services to/from Buffalo, NY, Pittsburgh, PA, North 

Carolina, and Montreal. Thus while the Study Area does not include the full 

service area of these longer-distance corridor services, their current and future 

service levels will be incorporated into the service planning and demand 

analysis. This external market area also includes markets that are not served by 

rail but may be in the future under one or more preliminary alternative (e.g.,

Scranton-Wilkes-Barre, PA). 

flyover A form of bridge that carries one or more tracks up and over another set of 

tracks. Flyovers enable trains to cross over a set of tracks without interfering 

with the movement of trains below.

footprint The footprint is the horizontal and vertical limits of disturbance for which direct 

impacts could occur. A footprint is defined for each Representative Route. 

Generally, the horizontal footprint for the alternatives are 150–300 feet wide, 

including rights-of-way. The vertical dimensions of the footprint are yet to be 

defined.

freight rail Freight operation constitutes the movement of goods and cargo in purposebuilt freight rolling stock (e.g., boxcars, flatcars), which are typically, but not 

necessarily, hauled by diesel-powered locomotives.

grade-separated Railroad tracks or roads and railroad tracks that cross without intersecting. 

Underpasses, flyovers, bridges, or tunnels allow all traffic to move freely, 

without conflict.

Greenfields Potential site for development—currently undeveloped or used as agricultural 

land—that lacks any existing structures.

high-performance 

trainset/equipment/rolling 

stock

New state-of-the-art train equipment consisting of electric multiple units (EMU) 

cars with high rates of acceleration and deceleration and capable of operating 

at speeds of 150 mph or greater.

high-speed rail (HSR) The definition of high-speed rail varies depending on context and purpose. For 

NEC FUTURE, high-speed rail consists of service provided by Intercity-Express 

operating at a range of speeds from 150 to 220 mph.
13. 2BGlossary

Page | 13-6 Tier 1 Draft EIS

Table 13-1: Frequently Used Terminology (continued)

Term Comments

horizon year Refers to the future timeframe within which environmental consequences 

associated with the construction and operation of the Reasonable Alternatives 

will be assessed. The horizon year is used to forecast future population and 

employment growth as well as travel demand for Reasonable Alternatives. The 

horizon year is used for planning and analysis purposes to forecast conditions 

and as such has some degree of uncertainty. 

Improvements 

(investment category)

Projects that introduce new assets above and beyond existing NEC 

infrastructure, facilities, and equipment in order to improve reliability, increase 

capacity, reduce travel time, and/or improve the customer experience.

Indian (tribe) Only used when referring to Section 106 government-to-government 

consultations with “federally recognized Indian tribes.” Indian can be used to 

describe the parties with whom the FRA is engaged in government-togovernment consultation. For all other references outside the Section 106 

consultation, Native American is the term used. 

indirect effects Indirect effects are caused by the action and are later in time or farther 

removed in distance, but are still reasonably foreseeable. Indirect effects may 

include growth-inducing effects and other effects related to induced changes in 

the pattern of land use, population density or growth rate, and related effects 

on air and water and other natural systems, including ecosystems.

Infrastructure elements See curve modification, junctions, new segment, new track, stations and station 

areas, and storage and maintenance facilities.

Initial Alternatives Those alternatives developed early in NEC FUTURE to include all potential 

alternative concepts developed by the FRA or collected in the public scoping 

process with the potential to meet the program’s Purpose and Need. The FRA 

further organized and consolidated the Initial Alternatives to create the 

Preliminary Alternatives.

Inland Route The existing rail corridor connecting New Haven Union Station and Boston South 

Station via Hartford, CT, and Springfield, MA. The route is owned by Amtrak 

between New Haven and Springfield, CT, by CSX Transportation between 

Springfield and Worcester, MA, and by Massachusetts between Worcester and 

Boston, MA. 

Note: Unlike other corridors in this list, this is not an Amtrak-named corridor like 

Empire, Keystone, etc. Instead, this is a term used in other studies and plans and 

referred to in various NEC FUTURE documents.
13. 2BGlossary

Tier 1 Draft EIS Page | 13-7

Table 13-1: Frequently Used Terminology (continued)

Term Comments

Intercity (rail service) 

(also Intercity-Express, 

Intercity-Corridor, and 

Intercity-Corridor-Other )

As defined by the Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.), “intercity rail passenger 

transportation means rail passenger transportation, except commuter rail 

passenger transportation.” As used more specifically in NEC FUTURE, Intercity 

rail refers to passenger rail service that provides transportation between cities 

or metropolitan areas at speeds and distances greater than that of commuter or 

Regional rail. 

Intercity-Corridor (rail 

service)

The regular or conventional Intercity trains that operate both on the NEC and on 

connecting corridors that reach markets beyond the NEC on non-electrified lines 

owned by freight railroads. These trains provide connectivity and direct oneseat service to large and mid-size markets on the NEC.

Intercity-Corridor also includes long-distance service, such as the existing 

Amtrak services to Florida, New Orleans, LA, Chicago, IL, and Canada. These

services are assumed to operate on the NEC outside of the travel peaks and 

therefore run in the slots provided for Intercity Corridor trains.

Intercity-Express (rail 

service)

The premium Intercity high-speed rail service offered on the NEC, making 

limited stops along the NEC serving the largest markets only. Amtrak’s Acela 

Express provides such service on the NEC between Washington, D.C., and 

Boston. Intercity-Express service offers the shortest travel times for intercity 

trips, with a higher quality of onboard amenities, at a premium price, using 

state-of-the-art high-speed trainsets.

Intercity-Corridor-Other Intercity-Corridor service that provides connectivity and direct one-seat service 

between non-electrified connecting corridors and the large and mid-size 

markets on the NEC (as opposed to Metropolitan service that can operate only 

in electrified territory).

interlocking A place on a railroad where one or more tracks converge, diverge, or cross, 

controlled by signals to prevent conflicting movements of trains. An interlocking 

may be where a connecting line joins a main line, where a railroad adds to or 

subtracts from its number of main line tracks, or simply where a railroad enables 

trains to switch between tracks.

Interregional Model A new ridership model, developed for NEC FUTURE (primarily from a household 

survey conducted by the FRA) that addresses travel between metropolitan 

market areas in the NEC.

investment category See Basic Infrastructure, Improvements, Major Backlog Project, and Mandates
13. 2BGlossary

Page | 13-8 Tier 1 Draft EIS

Table 13-1: Frequently Used Terminology (continued)

Term Comments

junctions

(infrastructure element)

Junctions include construction of major track connections or interlockings at 

points where tracks converge or diverge allowing trains to switch from one set 

of tracks to another. Junctions are identified at every point where a new route 

segment connects with the existing NEC, and at locations where gradeseparated track connections provide relief to existing chokepoints. This category 

also includes the additional railroad infrastructure to provide station sidings at 

new or upgraded stations where stopping trains need to use platform tracks 

separate from the through tracks used by non-stopping high-speed trains. The 

footprint for these junctions or major connections can extend beyond the rightsof-way to accommodate grade-separated, conflict-free movement between 

tracks or between the NEC and connecting corridors, Regional rail branch lines, 

and storage yards.

Keystone Corridor The existing rail corridor connecting Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, PA. The tracks 

from Pittsburgh to Harrisburg, PA, are owned by Norfolk Southern, and the 

tracks between Harrisburg and Philadelphia are owned by Amtrak. Amtrak runs 

two Intercity services – the Keystone from Harrisburg to New York City, and the 

Pennsylvania from Pittsburgh to New York City. The Keystone Corridor joins the 

NEC at Zoo Interlocking near the Philadelphia Zoo and Philadelphia 30th Street 

Station, PA.

level-of-service; LOS A qualitative measure describing operational road (traffic) conditions and the 

perception of motorists of the existing conditions. Six levels of service are 

defined for each type of facility, ranging from A to F, with LOS A representing 

the best operating conditions and LOS F the worst.

Limited Express A rail service pattern where trains make stops in all primary markets and most 

(if not all) secondary markets.

Long-Distance (rail 

service)

Intercity service connecting the Study Are with other parts of the United States, 

farther than 750 miles away, often including sleeping and dining car service 

(e.g., to Florida, New Orleans, LA, Chicago, IL)

maglev (magnetic 

levitation)

A transportation system requiring a dedicated exclusive right-of-way and using 

technology that levitates vehicles along a fixed guideway.
13. 2BGlossary

Tier 1 Draft EIS Page | 13-9

Table 13-1: Frequently Used Terminology (continued)

Term Comments

market area Market area refers to the geographic areas included in the ridership and 

revenue analyses. The market area is more broadly defined than the Study Area 

to include areas beyond the geography of the Study Area metropolitan 

statistical areas. The market area provides for the consideration of areas outside 

the geography of the Study Area where potential trips and new services might 

contribute to the overall demand and needs for service within the Study Area.

Descriptions of multiple elements of the market area in a series (such as states, 

stations, cities, etc.) start from (1) south and proceed north and (2) west and 

proceed east.

There are three geographic areas that comprise the totality of the market area: 

the core market area, the extended market area, and the external market area. 

See definitions for each term, which address the geography and the type of 

ridership analysis that applies to the specific market area. 

Study Area and market area are used interchangeably. See “Study Area” to 

distinguish.

Metropolitan (rail service) Limited-stop, run-through service for longer-distance trips between broad 

metropolitan areas or trips connecting secondary markets. 

A new service concept that upgrades the level of Intercity-Corridor rail service 

provided on the NEC, offers frequent service (2–4 trains per hour) to large and 

mid-size markets and key transfer locations, and stops at more stations than 

current Intercity service.

milepost A convention used by railroads and others to define specific locations or 

sections along the NEC. 

major backlog project

(investment category)

These are projects that are necessary for achieving a state of good repair (e.g., 

rehabilitation or replacement of major bridges and tunnels) but are not 

undertaken on a routine basis. These projects may include improvement 

elements where in-kind replacement is impossible or undesirable. When 

replacing a major structure, it makes sense to scope all contemplated work into 

a single project to save both time and money.

mandates (investment 

category)

Capital projects required by law or regulation or to protect public health. These 

include environmental remediation, right-of-way fencing, infrastructure and 

station resiliency and security systems, Positive Train Control (PTC), and station 

access improvements.

movable bridge A bridge that carries railroad tracks over a body of water that is required to 

open for boat traffic to pass. A movable bridge may be a “swing bridge,” where 

a segment swivels 90 degrees to create an opening, or a “bascule bridge,” 

where a span tilts up to allow passage.
13. 2BGlossary

Page | 13-10 Tier 1 Draft EIS

Table 13-1: Frequently Used Terminology (continued)

Term Comments

Native American, Native 

American tribe

Appropriate reference to federally recognized Indian tribes when reference is 

outside the Section 106 Government-to-Government consultation framework. 

See “Indian (tribe).” 

NEC FUTURE The NEC FUTURE program is led by the FRA and involves the preparation of a 

Passenger Rail Corridor Investment Plan (PRCIP) for the NEC, including, in this 

case, the following two elements: (a) a Service Development Plan; and (b) a Tier 

1 Environmental Impact Statement. 

NEC FUTURE team Includes all project team members from the Federal Railroad Administration 

(FRA), other agencies of the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT), and 

the Parsons Brinckerhoff / AECOM Joint Venture.

NEC Spine (or NEC) The transportation rail spine of the Study Area, anchored by Washington Union 

Station in the south, Penn Station New York in the center, and Boston South 

Station in the north, that is served by Intercity-Express trains. NEC Spine or NEC 

references do not include connecting corridors. (See connecting corridor 

definition.) 

New Haven-HartfordSpringfield CorridorRail corridor connecting New Haven, CT; Hartford, CT; and Springfield, MA. The 

corridor continues to Essex Junction, VT, in the north and intersects with the 

Inland Corridor to Boston, MA, and Albany, NY.

new segment 

(infrastructure element)

New track construction on new right-of-way that does not follow the existing 

NEC. New segments diverge from and reconnect to the existing NEC, which 

expand the capacity of the railroad and/or relieve chokepoints

New Starts program The New Starts and Small Starts programs are the Federal Transit 

Administration’s primary mechanism for financially supporting local transit 

“guideway” capital investments. 

new track

(infrastructure element)

Improvements that increase capacity or improve trip times, generally contained 

within the right-of-way of the existing NEC; typical upgrade projects include:

 Signal system upgrade

 Catenary and electrification system upgrade

 One or two new tracks constructed within existing right-of-way -- includes 

new track as well as all associated construction to enable new tracks to be 

utilized, including new or modified catenary, signaling, interlockings and 

civil and structural work

NextGen Shortened version of “Next Generation,” which refers to Amtrak’s proposed 

220-mph NEC service operating on a new dedicated right-of-way.

No Action Alternative This alternative includes all projects and plans that are projected to proceed by 

2040 without action resulting from NEC FUTURE. 
13. 2BGlossary

Tier 1 Draft EIS Page | 13-11

Table 13-1: Frequently Used Terminology (continued)

Term Comments

No Build Alternative See “No Action Alternative.”

Northeast Corridor (NEC) The existing rail transportation spine of the Northeast region—anchored by 

Washington Union Station in the south, Penn Station New York in the center, 

and Boston South Station in the north.

Northeast Corridor (NEC) 

connecting corridors

Those travel corridors that connect directly to a station on the NEC. These 

include (1) corridor service south of Washington Union Station to markets in 

Virginia (i.e., Lynchburg, Richmond, Newport News, Norfolk) and North Carolina

(i.e., Charlotte); (2) Keystone (connects to Philadelphia 30th Street Station); (3) 

Empire (to Penn Station New York); and (4) New Haven-Hartford-Springfield (to 

New Haven Union Station). See “Study Area connecting corridors” to distinguish.

Northeast Corridor 

Infrastructure and 

Operations Advisory 

Commission (NEC 

Commission)

The Northeast Corridor Infrastructure and Operations Advisory Commission 

(NEC Commission) was established by Congress to bring NEC stakeholders 

together in a coordinated manner to develop and implement a long-term 

investment strategy for the NEC and to educate the public about the NEC’s role 

in economic growth and development. The NEC Commission is also charged with 

developing a cost allocation formula that ensures that there is no crosssubsidization of commuter, intercity, and freight transportation on the NEC and 

to make annual recommendations to Congress about infrastructure needs and 

operational improvements. 

The NEC Commission comprises members from each of the NEC states and 

Washington, D.C., Amtrak, and the U.S. Department of Transportation and 

includes non-voting representatives from freight railroads and states with 

connecting corridors. 

The FRA coordinates with the NEC Commission with regular meetings and 

presentations. However, the FRA and the NEC Commission have differing, if 

complementary, missions. 

Northeast Megaregion; 

megaregion

See the discussion of “Northeast region” for clarification.

Northeast region The Northeast region means different things in different contexts. Most federal 

agencies, for example, define the Northeast region as the five New England 

states plus New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. However, if used to refer 

to the eight states served by the NEC, this excludes two New England states 

(New Hampshire and Maine) but includes Delaware, Maryland, and Washington, 

D.C.

For NEC FUTURE, the Northeast region refers to the Study Area, which is defined 

as the large study area that is based on the metropolitan statistical area 

boundaries within D.C., MD, DE, PA, NJ, NY, RI, CT, and MA.
13. 2BGlossary

Page | 13-12 Tier 1 Draft EIS

Table 13-1: Frequently Used Terminology (continued)

Term Comments

off-corridor This term refers to representative routing related to the Preliminary Alternatives 

and Reasonable Alternatives that are “off” the existing NEC Spine. Off-corridor is 

applied to anything that is a Representative Route not on the existing NEC 

Spine. Off-corridor routes could include connecting corridors that are also off 

the NEC Spine.

on-corridor This term refers to routing related to the existing NEC Spine. On-corridor does 

not imply that all potential improvements would occur within existing rights-ofway; expansion of the rights-of-way is possible.

pantograph A mechanical arm mounted on top of an electricity-powered train that draws 

power from overhead catenary wires.

Passenger Rail Corridor 

Investment Plan (PRCIP)

The NEC FUTURE program involves preparation of a PRCIP for the NEC, 

including, in this case, the following two elements: (a) a Service Development 

Plan; and (b) a Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement. 

peak hour The hour of the day during which the maximum number of trains are operated 

or the maximum number of passengers are carried over a segment of railroad.

In the metropolitan regions of the NEC study area, the peak hours typically 

occur on weekdays, in the morning within the 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. period and 

in the evening between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

peak travel time The time required to travel from origin to destination or on a rail line from 

boarding station to alighting station during the peak hour. Travel time is also 

referred to as trip time or journey time.

Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3 Refers to the internal project phases of NEC FUTURE. 

positive train control

(PTC)

A modern signaling technology designed to reduce the risk of train collisions. 

The installation and use of PTC along the NEC is mandated by the federal 

government.

Preferred Alternative

(preferred investment 

program)

Term used to describe the FRA’s Preferred Alternative, which will be identified 

in the Tier 1 Final EIS. The preference will be based on supporting information 

fully documented in the Tier 1 Draft EIS and public input. 

When an alternative has been selected by the FRA, it is referred to as the 

Selected Alternative. The Selected Alternative will be documented in the Record 

of Decision (ROD) and the Service Development Plan.

Preliminary Alternatives Those alternatives that resulted from the consolidation and organization of the 

Initial Alternatives. Preliminary Alternatives were analyzed and screened to 

develop the Reasonable Alternatives.
13. 2BGlossary

Tier 1 Draft EIS Page | 13-13

Table 13-1: Frequently Used Terminology (continued)

Term Comments

Premium Express A rail service pattern where trains make stops in all primary and some 

secondary markets.

primary markets The four largest passenger markets within the core market area: Boston, MA; 

New York City, NY; Philadelphia, PA; and Washington, D.C.

Programmatic EIS See Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement.

Project-level EIS See Tier 2 Environmental Impact Statement.

pulse-hub operation Trains from different lines and service tiers that arrive at a Hub station 

concurrently or in close succession. Passengers can then transfer to a range of 

services during the simultaneous dwell of these multiple trains. Trains then 

leave the station in close intervals.

Reasonable Alternatives Those alternatives that resulted from the screening of the Preliminary 

Alternatives and that are analyzed in the Tier 1 Draft EIS. 

The Reasonable Alternatives refer to the Action Alternatives considered in the 

Tier 1 Draft EIS. (The term “Reasonable Alternative” is used more particularly in 

the alternatives development context, while the term “Action Alternative” is 

used for this Tier 1 Draft EIS.)

Record of Decision (ROD) The ROD is the final step in the EIS process. The ROD is a document that states 

what the decision is and identifies the alternatives considered—the Preferred 

Alternative, the Environmentally Preferable Alternative, and the Selected 

Alternative—and discusses mitigation strategies at Tier 1, including any 

enforcement and monitoring commitments. In the ROD, the FRA discusses all 

the factors, including any considerations of national policy that were 

contemplated when it reached its decision on whether to, and if so how to, 

proceed with the proposed action. The ROD will also discuss if all practical 

means to avoid or minimize environmental harm have been adopted, and if not, 

why they were not.

Regional rail Rail services that are concentrated within the travel shed of a single 

metropolitan region. Regional rail trains provide local and commuter-focused 

service characterized by relatively low fares compared and a high percentage of 

regular travelers.

regional trips Trips that start and end within the same metropolitan area. 

Related Projects Related Projects are ongoing independent rail projects that are either fully or 

partially funded and are located in a connecting corridor and not on the NEC; 

unfunded projects along the NEC with ongoing or a completed National 

Environmental Policy Act/Programmatic Agreement; or fully or partially funded 

transit or freight rail projects off of but connecting to the NEC.
13. 2BGlossary

Page | 13-14 Tier 1 Draft EIS

Table 13-1: Frequently Used Terminology (continued)

Term Comments

reliability The degree to which trains operate according to their scheduled departure and 

arrival times.

Representative Route A Representative Route refers to a proposed route or potential alignment for an

Action Alternative. The Representative Route includes horizontal and vertical 

dimensions, which are based on typical cross sections that define its footprint. 

Typical cross sections identify construction methods (tunnel, viaduct, bridge, flyover, bypass, track type, etc.) and right-of-way requirements for tracks, 

structures, ancillary facilities, and stations associated with each Action 

Alternative. The Representative Route is the physical footprint used to asses 

potential effects of an Action Alternative within the Affected Environment. The 

Representative Route is used as a proxy for estimating the potential effects of a 

route whose location could shift during subsequent project-level reviews.

retaining wall Structures that hold earth in place either above or below the track to keep the 

railroad’s slopes manageable despite changes in natural topography.

Scoping Describes one major public involvement aspect of the NEPA EIS process. The 

overall goal is to define the scope of issues to be addressed in depth in the 

analyses that will be included in the EIS.

screenline An imaginary line used to count rail traffic at a specific location in the Study 

Area. 

secondary markets All markets within the core market area not defined as one of the four primary 

markets.

service and inspection 

(S&I) facility

A shop located at a rail yard where trains are monitored and maintained to 

ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operations.

Service Plans The FRA developed Service Plans for the No Action and Action Alternatives to 

describe the types and levels of passenger train service operating on the NEC in 

2040. These Service Plans are a representative train schedule for a typical future 

weekday, and include the train stops by station for both peak and non-peak 

periods. The Service Plans are operator-neutral and provide a technical basis 

that allows the FRA to estimate future ridership and capital investment needs 

and costs, as well as assess the environmental impacts associated with planned 

construction and future operations.

signals A system used to control the movement of trains on a railroad to ensure safe 

distances and prevent collisions.
13. 2BGlossary

Tier 1 Draft EIS Page | 13-15

Table 13-1: Frequently Used Terminology (continued)

Term Comments

significant; significantly “Significant” and “significantly” are key terms used in NEPA compliance to 

describe thresholds of effects on the human or natural environment.

NEPA does not require determinations of significance with regard to specific 

impacts, but does focus on the significance of impact of an action on a resource, 

considering context and intensity. For example, this might mean making a 

significance determination about effects to wetlands in Maryland or Delaware 

rather than the significance of each impact to every unique wetland in those 

states. 

speed and passenger rail 

operations

An official FRA designation that defines the operational characteristics of a 

segment of railroad line based on the physical characteristics of the line and the 

type of railroad equipment operated on the line. It defines the extent to which 

and conditions under which different types of trains (e.g., freight and passenger) 

can operate on the same tracks. It also specifies certain characteristics for 

railroad equipment operating on the line, such as the maximum allowable 

speed. 

See Appendix B, Technical Assumptions appendix to Service Plans and Train 

Equipment Options Technical Memorandum for a more detailed definition and 

description. 

standard peak hour The unit of time used for analysis of peak train movements and passenger 

volumes in NEC FUTURE. It permits the peaking of both Intercity and Regional 

rail traffic to be taken into account by assuming that the peak hours for these 

travel markets occur simultaneously and are equivalent in the weekday morning 

and evening periods. It therefore approximates but does not precisely match 

actual peak-hour conditions at all locations on the NEC, which vary by location 

and exhibit somewhat different patterns in the morning and evening.

state of good repair The condition in which the existing physical assets, both individually and as a 

system (a) are functioning as designed within their “useful lives,” and (b) are 

sustained through regular maintenance and replacement programs; state of 

good repair represents just one element of a comprehensive capital investment 

program that also addresses system capacity and performance.

state-of-good-repair 

backlog

The condition in which an infrastructure asset no longer functions as designed 

or is in service beyond its expected useful life. Backlog is composed of both basic 

infrastructure programmatic elements and major projects.
13. 2BGlossary

Page | 13-16 Tier 1 Draft EIS

Table 13-1: Frequently Used Terminology (continued)

Term Comments

station types Major Hub serve the largest markets in the Study Area and have the full 

complement of rail services types. Major Hub stations serve the four primary 

markets: Washington, D.C.; Philadelphia, PA; New York City, NY; and Boston, 

MA; as well as other major markets within the Study Area, including but not 

limited to Baltimore, MD; Stamford, CT; and Providence, RI. Major Hub stations 

are located in the most populous and densely developed metropolitan areas 

along the NEC, serving Intercity and Regional rail travel to these major 

population and employment centers.

Hub stations offer some Intercity service, although the Intercity-Express services 

is more limited than the service levels offered at Major Hub stations. Hub 

stations include the existing smaller intermediate Amtrak stations, as well as 

selected key Regional rail stations and new stations that have the potential to fill 

connectivity gaps in the existing passenger rail network, serve special trip 

generators, and/or provide important inter-modal connections. 

Local stations are served almost exclusively by Regional rail trains, on the 

portions of the NEC where Regional rail service is offered. Examples of local 

stations include Halethorpe, MD; Claymont, DE; Torresdale, PA; Edison, NJ; 

Larchmont, NY; Westport, CT; Wickford Jct., RI; and Attleboro, MA. There are a 

limited number of locations on the NEC outside of Regional rail territory where 

the existing Amtrak stations are best classified as Local stations (e.g., Mystic and 

Westerly stations). Similarly, smaller stations on connecting corridors beyond 

the NEC are considered Local stations (e.g., Ashland, VA; Mt. Joy, PA; Rhinecliff, 

NY; Wallingford, CT)..

stations and station areas 

(infrastructure element)

The footprint for physical improvements associated with station tracks, 

platforms, passenger waiting areas and facilities, access and parking, and 

ancillary buildings. Existing Local stations that are not slated for expansion or 

upgrading were omitted from the list of location-specific line items, since there 

are no incremental capital costs associated with these locations.

storage and maintenance 

facilities 

(infrastructure element)

These facilities support fleet requirements of the Action Alternatives. Horizontal 

dimensions could extend beyond the limits of the footprint defined for new 

segments, new tracks, or curve modifications. 

Study Area The NEC FUTURE Study Area is defined as the large study area that is based on 

the metropolitan statistical area boundaries within D.C., MD, DE, PA, NJ, NY, RI, 

CT, MA.

See “market area” to distinguish.

Study Area connecting 

corridors

Those connecting corridors that provide service within the Study Area. These 

include Keystone, Empire, and New Haven-Hartford-Springfield.

See “Northeast Corridor connecting corridors” to distinguish.

Super Express A rail service pattern where trains make stops only in primary markets.
13. 2BGlossary

Tier 1 Draft EIS Page | 13-17

Table 13-1: Frequently Used Terminology (continued)

Technical Working Group

(TWG)

Refers to the group of technical experts both inside and outside of the NEC 

FUTURE team who periodically join the respective technical team to advise on 

methodology, data, approach, etc. Various phases of NEC FUTURE have different 

TWGs focusing on different technical areas. 

Tier 1 EIS Consistent with the above described “tiering” of NEPA documents, a Tier 1 EIS is 

the broad, programmatic assessment of effects, often applied area-wide or 

corridor-wide. More-specific project actions are subsequently reviewed as 

additional information is available. 

Tier 2 EIS A NEPA environmental document for a project-specific action, often referred to 

as Tier 2, where the specific project is considered in a previous Tier 1 EIS.

Tiering Tiering is a NEPA procedure that allows an agency to avoid duplication of 

paperwork through the incorporation by reference of the general discussions 

and relevant specific discussions from an environmental impact statement of 

broader scope into one of lesser scope or vice versa.

track class An official FRA designation that defines the physical, operational and 

maintenance characteristics of railroad tracks in the United States, applicable to 

all tracks over which trains are operated. In general, higher track classes permit 

higher maximum train speeds. See Appendix B, Technical Assumptions appendix 

to Service Plans and Train Equipment Options Technical Memorandum for a 

more detailed definition and description.

tripmaking The act of traveling or making a trip, utilizing one or more modes of 

transportation.

typical cross section Representative cross sections that identify construction methods and right-ofway configurations for track and track structures developed for construction on 

new track and new segments.

undergrade bridge A small railroad bridge that allows creeks, roadways, and other natural or 

manmade features to pass below tracks.

urban rail transit (service) Transit-style rail service on the NEC characterized by short distance, short 

headway, and high-capacity trains within a single urban area. Equipment used to 

operate this service would comply with the requirements of general railroad 

operations and may or may not use specially designed hybrid vehicles.

yard An area consisting of a network of tracks where trains are stored and/or

maintained.
13. 2BGlossary

Page | 13-18 Tier 1 Draft EIS

Table 13-2: Acronyms and Abbreviations

AC alternating current

ACHP Advisory Council on Historic Preservation

ADA Americans with Disabilities Act

AIS Abbreviated Injury Scale

APE Area of potential effect

B&P Baltimore and Potomac (Tunnel)

BCA Benefit-Cost Analysis

BEA Bureau of Economic Analysis

BFE Base Flood Elevation

BLS Bureau of Labor Statistics

Btu British thermal unit

BWI Baltimore-Washington International

C&S Communications and signaling

C.F.R. Code of Federal Regulations

CAA Clean Air Act

CAAA Clean Air Act Amendments

CBD central business district

CD Cost Definitions

CEQ Council on Environmental Quality

CH4 methane

CO carbon monoxide 

CO2 carbon dioxide

CORRACTS Corrective Actions

CPI Consumer Price Index

CSA Combined Statistical Area

CSXT CSX Transportation

CTDECD Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development

CTDEEP Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

CWA Clean Water Act of 1972

CZMA Coastal Zone Management Act

DEDNREC Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control

DelDOT Delaware, the Delaware Department of Transportation

DMU diesel multiple unit

DOT department of transportation

DPM diesel particulate matter

DPS Distinct Population Segment

DVRPC Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission
13. 2BGlossary

Tier 1 Draft EIS Page | 13-19

Table 13-2: Acronyms and Abbreviations (continued)

EFH Essential Fish Habitat

EIS environmental impact statement

EJ Environmental Justice

EMF electromagnetic fields

EMI electromagnetic interference

EMU electric multiple unit

EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

ESA Endangered Species Act

ESH Ecologically Sensitive Habitat

FAA Federal Aviation Administration

FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency

FHWA Federal Highway Administration

FIMA Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration

FRA Federal Railroad Administration

FTA Federal Transit Administration

GCT Grand Central Terminal

GDP gross domestic product

GHG greenhouse gas

GIS geographic information system

GWP Global Warming Potential

HC hydrocarbon

HOV high-occupancy vehicle

HSIPR High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail

HSR high-speed rail

HUD Housing and Urban Development

HWCM hazardous waste and contaminated material

ICNIRP International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection

IIA Independence from irrelevant alternatives

IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

kV kilovolt

Ldn day/night equivalent [sound]level

Leq energy equivalent [sound] level

LIRR MTA-Long Island Rail Road

LOS level-of-service

LRT light rail transit

LRTP long-range transportation plan
13. 2BGlossary

Page | 13-20 Tier 1 Draft EIS

Table 13-2: Acronyms and Abbreviations (continued)

LWCF Land and Water Conservation Fund

MADEP Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection

maglev magnetic levitation

MAIS Maximum Abbreviated Injury Score

MAP metropolitan area planning

MAP-21 Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act

MARC Maryland Area Regional Commuter

MBTA Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority

MDDE Maryland Department of the Environment

MNR MTA-Metro-North Railroad

MPE Maximum Permissible Exposure

MPO metropolitan planning organizations

MRE magnetic resonance equipment

MRI magnetic resonance imaging

MSA metropolitan statistical areas

MSAT mobile-source air toxics 

MSFCMA Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act

MTA Metropolitan Transportation Authority

N.J.A.C. New Jersey Surface Water Quality Standards

N2O nitrous oxide

NAAQS National Ambient Air Quality Standards

NAC Noise Abatement Criteria

NCA National Climate Assessment

NEC Northeast Corridor

NEC Commission Northeast Corridor Infrastructure and Operations Advisory Commission

NEPA National Environmental Policy Act

NHHS New Haven-Hartford-Springfield

NHL National Historic Landmark

NHPA National Historic Preservation Act

NJ TRANSIT New Jersey Transit

NJDEP New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection

NJTPA North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority

NL nested logit

NMFS National Marine Fisheries Service

NNEPRA Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority

NO nitric oxide
13. 2BGlossary

Tier 1 Draft EIS Page | 13-21

Table 13-2: Acronyms and Abbreviations (continued)

NO2 nitrogen dioxide

NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

NOI Notice of Intent

NOx nitrogen oxides 

NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System

NPL National Priority List

NPS National Park Service

NRCS Natural Resources Conservation Service

NRHP National Register of Historic Places

NTC new track construction

NTD National Transit Database

NTP Notice to Proceed

NTSB National Transportation Safety Board

NWI National Wetlands Inventory

NYCDEP New York City Department of Environmental Protection

NYCOER New York City Office of Environmental Remediation

NYDEC New York Department of Environmental Conservation

NYMTC New York Metropolitan Transportation Council

NYSDOT New York State Department of Transportation

O&M operations and maintenance

O3 ozone

OCS overhead catenary system

OMB Office of Management and Budget

OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration

OTR Ozone Transport Region

PADEP Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

PANYNJ Port Authority of New York & New Jersey

PATH Port Authority Trans-Hudson

Pb lead

PCSM Post Construction Stormwater Management

PDO Property damage only

PennDOT Pennsylvania Department of Transportation

PIP Public Involvement Plan

PM particulate matter

PM10 particulate matter less than 10 microns

PM2.5 particulate matter less than 2.5 microns

POM polycyclic organic matter
13. 2BGlossary

Page | 13-22 Tier 1 Draft EIS

Table 13-2: Acronyms and Abbreviations (continued)

PRCIP Passenger Rail Corridor Investment Plan

PRIIA Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008

PSNY Penn Station New York

PTC Positive Train Control

RCRA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

RIDEM Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management

RIPDES Rhode Island Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Program

RITA Research and Innovative Technology Administration

rms root mean square

ROD Record of Decision

ROW right-of-way

RPA Regional Plan Association

RTP regional transportation plan

SDP Service Development Plan

Section 106 Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966

Section 4(f) Section 4(f) of the Surface Transportation Act of 1966

Section 401 Section 401 of the Clean Water Act of 1972

Section 404 Section 404 of the Clean Water Act of 1972

Section 6(f) Section 6(f) of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965

Section 7 Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act

SEHSR Southeast High-Speed Rail

SEPTA Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority

SFHA special flood hazard area

SHPO State Historic Preservation Office

SIP state implementation plan

SLE Shore Line East

SOV single-occupancy vehicle

SOx sulfur oxides

SRHP State Register of Historic Places

STIP State Transportation Improvement Program

STOPS Simplified Trips on Project Software

STP Surface Transportation Program

SWRPA South Western Regional Planning Agency

T&E Threatened and Endangered

TBM tunnel boring machine
13. 2BGlossary

Tier 1 Draft EIS Page | 13-23

Table 13-2: Acronyms and Abbreviations (continued)

TDAT Tribal Directory Assessment Tool

THPO Tribal Historic Preservation Officer

TIGER Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery

TIP Transportation Improvement Program

TMDL total maximum daily load

TOD transit-oriented development

TPSS traction power substation

TSCA Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976

TSDF Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities

TSM transportation system management

TWG Technical Working Group

U.S. DOT U.S. Department of Transportation

U.S.C. United States Code

USACE U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

USCG U.S. Coast Guard

USDA U.S. Department of Agriculture

USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

USGS U.S. Geological Survey

v/c ratio volume-to-capacity ratio

VdB vibration velocity level

VHT vehicle hours traveled

VMS variable message signs

VMT vehicle-miles traveled

VOC volatile organic compounds

VRE Virginia Railway Express

WUTMP Washington Union Terminal Master Plan