THE NEC IS THE BUSIEST 

RAIL CORRIDOR IN THE 

NATION, AND IS VITAL 

TO THE ECONOMY 

AND CITIES OF THE 

NORTHEAST.

457 

MILES LONG

2,200 

DAILY TRAINS

750,000 

DAILY PASSENGERS

The Northeast United States—stretching from Washington, D.C., to 

New England—is a dominant force in the national economy with its 

vast job base, highly educated and diverse workforce, strong and stable communities, vibrant cities, quality educational institutions, and 

rich history and culture. The continued economic competitiveness of 

the Northeast depends on a transportation system that supports the 

region’s growing needs. And yet today, the region’s transportation 

system—its highways, airports, maritime ports, and rail networks—

is already operating at or above capacity. By 2040, the Northeast is 

expected to add seven million new residents, putting further pressure 

on all travel modes. Stronger, more reliable transportation options are 

essential to support mobility and the region’s continued economic 

growth. 

The Northeast Corridor (NEC) passenger rail line—a central transportation spine of the entire region—is critical to regional mobility. However, the NEC today operates on outdated infrastructure with capacity 

constraints that cannot accommodate future growth. Determining 

how these needs will be met, and defining the role that the NEC will 

play in the overall transportation system is the focus of NEC FUTURE.

NEC FUTURE: ADDRESSING CRITICAL NEEDS 

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is preparing a comprehensive plan for the NEC that will define a long-term vision and an 

incremental approach to achieving that vision. The plan considers the 

needs of all types of passengers on the NEC—commuters as well as 

intercity riders. The result of NEC FUTURE will be the FRA’s adoption 

of an investment program to guide passenger rail improvement 

projects on the NEC through 2040.

The FRA is preparing a Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement (Tier 

1 EIS), in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and 

other regulations, to evaluate the effects of proposed investment 

program alternatives. This document provides highlights of the Tier 1 

Draft EIS, which will be available for public comment through January 

30, 2016. The full document, as well as the accompanying Draft 

Programmatic Agreement, prepared in compliance with the National 

Historic Preservation Act, are available at www.necfuture.com and at 

libraries along the NEC. 

The FRA is the lead agency for NEC 

FUTURE, working closely with a 

number of key partners including:

 Federal Transit Administration

 NEC Infrastructure and Operations 

Advisory Commission

 Railroad operators (including Amtrak, eight commuter rail authorities, and freight railroads)

 State and federal agencies, as well 

as local jurisdictions along the NEC

The FRA coordinates regularly with 

environmental resource and regulatory agencies, and consults with 

federally recognized tribes.

Why NEC FUTURE? Study Partners

Aging 

Infrastructure Connectivity Resiliency Sustainability Economic 

Growth Capacity Performance

Key 

Needs
The FRA will identify a preferred investment program (Preferred Alternative) 

based on the analysis presented in the Tier 1 Draft EIS, FRA policy guidance, 

and comments received from all stakeholders—agencies, railroad operators, 

interested organizations, and the public—by January 30, 2016. Your comments 

on the alternatives, and the analysis presented in the Tier 1 Draft EIS, are 

critical to the decision-making process. For information on how to participate 

in this historic decision, see the end of this brochure.

The FRA has identified three distinct Action Alternatives for the 

NEC, each of which presents a different vision for the future role 

of passenger rail in the transportation system of the Northeast. In 

developing these Action Alternatives, the FRA considered a broad 

range of possibilities for the NEC to respond to future travel market 

trends, passenger service needs, and public input. The Tier 1 Draft 

EIS compares each Action Alternative to a baseline, the No Action 

Alternative.

Alternative 1 MAINTAINS the role of rail with sufficient additional 

service to keep pace with population and employment growth.

Alternative 2 GROWS the role of rail with service to new markets and 

accommodates a greater portion of the population.

Alternative 3 TRANSFORMS the role of rail by becoming a dominant 

mode choice for travel in the Northeast.

Each of the Action Alternatives includes 

enhanced service concepts to improve 

the passenger experience and 

increase efficiency. These concepts 

include a new type of Intercity service 

that stops at more stations, highperformance equipment, coordinated 

scheduling and ticketing, and easier 

transfers. 

Choices for the NEC Enhanced Service 

Concepts

How will the FRA select a vision for the NEC?

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN AN ACTION ALTERNATIVE?

The investment program for each Action Alternative consists of a set of geographic markets to be served by passenger rail; a Representative 

Route (or footprint) that connects these markets; assumptions about the level of passenger rail service that will be provided to these 

markets; and infrastructure improvements that support this level-of-service. In addition, each of the three Action Alternatives:

Maintains and 

improves passenger 

rail service on the 

existing NEC

Incorporates innovative 

approaches to improve 

the passenger 

experience and 

increase efficiency.

Brings the NEC to a 

state of good repair

Addresses the most 

pressing chokepoints 

that limit the railroad’s 

capacity and 

undermine reliability

Protects freight 

rail access and the 

opportunity for future 

expansion
WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR THE FUTURE OF THE NEC?

The No Action Alternative is the baseline against which the FRA compared each of the 

Action Alternatives. It includes projects currently planned and programmed, and repairs 

to keep the railroad operating, but only at today’s level-of-service. 

Except for planned improvements, such as the Long Island Rail Road’s East Side Access 

project, the No Action Alternative:

▸Does not increase capacity to meet unmet demand or accommodate growth

▸Does not improve reliability

▸Does not address gaps in connectivity

▸Does not expand service to new markets

▸Does not bring the NEC into a state of good repair

With its continued reliance on constrained and aging infrastructure, the No Action 

Alternative means a declining role for rail in the Northeast transportation system. 

Moreover, with minimal new investment in capacity or reliability, the No Action 

Alternative provides limited ability for the NEC to recover from major storms and other 

disruptive events, and hinders freight movement.

The No Action Alternative requires investment in the NEC by the federal government, 

states, and railroads that exceeds historical levels of funding. If sufficient funding to 

meet even the minimum requirements of the No Action Alternative is not available, the 

reliability and quality of service on the NEC would be further degraded, driven in large 

part by insufficient capacity and aging infrastructure.

No Action Alternative 

No Action 

Alternative

The No Action Alternative cannot accommodate the full volume of 

passengers who will want to travel by rail. The tightest constraint 

is at the Hudson River, where demand will exceed capacity by over 

6,000 passengers per hour in 2040.
AGING INFRASTRUCTURE

▸Brings the existing NEC to a state of good repair

CONNECTIVITY

▸Improves connections between metropolitan areas with more frequent intercity service 

CAPACITY

▸Provides sufficient capacity to accommodate demand at all places along the corridor 

(except at the Hudson River) through 2040, but lacks sufficient additional capacity to 

support growth in demand after 2040

▸Increases capacity for through-trips on connecting corridor services south of Washington, 

D.C., and along the Keystone, Empire, and New Haven-Hartford-Springfield Corridors

PERFORMANCE

▸Increases Intercity and peak-hour Regional rail (commuter) service

▸Top Intercity-Express operating speeds of 160 mph on portions of the corridor

▸Travel time between Washington, D.C. and Boston reduced by up to 35 minutes

▸New service types with a range of pricing to attract more passengers

RESILIENCY

▸New segment between Old Saybrook, CT, and Kenyon, RI, provides resiliency, avoiding 

movable bridges and waterways along the Long Island Sound and providing an alternative 

to portions of the existing NEC adjacent to the Connecticut shoreline

SUSTAINABILITY

▸Net decrease in emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases and reduction in roadway 

vehicle miles traveled 

▸Shifts 69 million annual trips from other modes to passenger rail

ECONOMIC GROWTH

▸Improves access to jobs within and between metropolitan areas for existing stations; 

generates some travel time savings for intercity travel

Alternative 1 Benefits 

{ as compared to the No Action Alternative } Alternative 1 

Maintain

Alternative 1 maintains the role of rail as it is today, with significant 

increases in the level of rail service as required to keep pace with the 

growth in population. It enables the NEC to continue to support the 

transportation needs of the growing region through 2040, but provides 

little additional capacity to support growth after 2040.
ALT 2

AGING INFRASTRUCTURE

▸Brings the existing NEC to a state of good repair

CONNECTIVITY

▸Connects new travel markets in the Connecticut River Valley

▸Provides Intercity service to T.F. Green Airport in Providence, RI, and Philadelphia 

International Airport

▸Improves interregional connections by introducing Intercity service at select rail stations

CAPACITY

▸Provides sufficient capacity to accommodate demand at the Hudson River and provides 

room for growth at other locations post-2040

▸Addresses capacity and speed constraints with a new route adjacent to the NEC 

between New Haven and Hartford, CT, and Providence, RI; this supplements existing 

service between New York City and Boston and connects new travel markets

▸Increases capacity for through trips on connecting corridor services south of Washington, D.C., and along the Keystone, Empire, and New-Haven-Hartford-Springfield 

Corridors

PERFORMANCE

▸Provides five times as much Intercity service and more than doubles peak-hour 

Regional rail service

▸Top Intercity-Express operating speeds of 160 mph on the majority of the corridor

▸Travel time between Washington, D.C. and Boston reduced by up to 1 hour 5 minutes

RESILIENCY

▸New inland route through Connecticut and Rhode Island provides an alternate route if 

coastal inundation or other hazards affect services along the coastline

SUSTAINABILITY

▸Net decrease in emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases and reductions in 

roadway vehicle miles traveled 

▸Shifts 93 million annual trips from other modes to passenger rail

ECONOMIC GROWTH

▸Improves access to jobs within and between metropolitan areas for existing and new 

stations with increased service frequency, service types, and improved travel times

▸Provides improved access between metropolitan areas and commercial centers such as 

Wilmington, DE, and Hartford, CT

▸Creates opportunities for economic and station area development 

Alternative 2 Benefits 

{ as compared to the No Action Alternative } Alternative 2 

Grow

Alternative 2 grows the role of rail, expanding rail service at a rate 

greater than the proportional growth in regional population and 

employment. It adds service to new markets in New England and 

provides modest capacity to support growth beyond 2040.
AGING INFRASTRUCTURE

▸Brings the existing NEC to a state of good repair

CONNECTIVITY

▸Connects new travel markets throughout the NEC with the addition of a second spine and 

new stations

▸Provides Intercity service to T.F. Green Airport in Providence, RI, and Philadelphia 

International Airport

▸Improves interregional connections by introducing Intercity service at select rail stations 

on the existing NEC

CAPACITY

▸Provides excess capacity at all locations along the corridor to accommodate additional 

off-corridor trips and future growth post-2040

PERFORMANCE

▸Provides six times as much Intercity service and up to three times the amount of peakhour Regional rail service

▸Top Intercity-Express operating speeds of 220 mph on the second spine

▸Travel time between Washington, D.C. and Boston reduced by up to 2 hours 55 minutes 

RESILIENCY

▸Inland route options through either Long Island or Connecticut, and Massachusetts assist 

in reducing service disruptions should a coastal flooding event affect assets along coastal 

Connecticut and Rhode Island

SUSTAINABILITY

▸Net decrease in emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases and reductions in roadway 

vehicle miles traveled

▸Shifts 141 million annual trips from other modes to passenger rail

ECONOMIC GROWTH

▸Improves access to jobs within and between metropolitan areas for existing and new 

stations with increased service frequency, service types, and improved travel times

▸Creates opportunities for economic and station area development with more connections 

within and between metropolitan areas both along the existing NEC and to markets served 

with a second spine

▸Provides passenger rail network coverage and capacity to support population and 

employment growth beyond 2040

Alternative 3 Benefits 

{ as compared to the No Action Alternative } Alternative 3 

Transform

Alternative 3 transforms the role of rail. Along with improvements to 

the existing NEC, a second spine from Washington, D.C., to Boston 

supports faster trips and serves markets not currently well connected 

by passenger rail. Rail becomes the dominant mode of travel in the 

Northeast, with the capacity to support the regional economy well into 

the future.
The Tier 1 Draft EIS presents a detailed evaluation of the No Action and Action Alternatives for NEC FUTURE, including 

their effects on transportation, the economy, the built and natural environment, as well as projected ridership, capital 

and operating costs, construction requirements, and phasing.

The range of benefits and effects varies by Action Alternative, based on the service and infrastructure proposed. 

Examples of the findings are shown on this page.

EFFECTS ON THE BUILT AND NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

Alternative 1: Environmental impacts occur with the addition of two segments in Connecticut and Rhode Island 

outside of the existing NEC right-of-way, including impacts on land cover, water resources, ecological resources, 

prime farmlands, and prime timberlands.

Alternative 2: Environmental impacts primarily occur with the addition of a new segment between New Haven and 

Providence, via Hartford. Much of this area is less developed and key considerations are the effects of acquisitions 

and displacements in noted environmental justice communities, and impacts on prime timberlands and floodplains.

Alternative 3: Impacts to the built and natural environment occur along the entire length of the additional spine 

between Washington, D.C., and Boston, MA. A range of effects occur north of New York City, due to variations in 

routing; impacts include conversion of undeveloped land, acquisition of developed land, impacts on water and 

ecological resources, and conversion of prime farmland and timberlands.

More-detailed environmental reviews at the Tier 2 (project) level will be needed to identify specific community and 

resource impacts and benefits, seek public and agency input, and identify mitigation measures, if necessary.

Evaluating the Alternatives

୭ More frequent, reliable service – often with 

shorter travel times – and far fewer delays

୭ Ability to reach many more destinations 

conveniently by rail 

୭ Greater range of ticket price options, 

allowing more affordable travel

୭ Easier travel arrangements across the NEC

୭ Easier travel and interaction among businesses

୭ Economic development of station areas and 

cities along the NEC

୭ Reduction in roadway vehicle miles traveled, 

energy use, and greenhouse gas emissions

୭ World class transportation to power regional 

growth and mobility for future generations

For

Passengers

For the

Region

RIDERSHIP

LEVEL OF INVESTMENT *

*Estimates are intended to be representative of the relative levels of investment that 

could be required and are for comparative purposes.

Intercity

No Action Alt 1 Alt 2 Alt 3

19 34 37 39

Regional rail

No Action Alt 1 Alt 2 Alt 3

420 474 495 546

No Action Alt 1 Alt 2 Alt 3

20 65

135

290

100

200

300

50

$ billion (2014 dollars) millions of annual passenger trips

150

250

The Benefits of Action
The selection of an investment program for the NEC will 

have far-reaching effects on transportation in the Northeast. 

It will help to define how and when the federal government, 

states, and railroads invest in upgrades to the NEC, with 

implications for the mix of rail services offered, service 

frequency, travel times, and stations served. The construction 

of new infrastructure and the operation of expanded services 

would create jobs and economic development opportunities, 

as well as result in impacts to properties and effects on the 

natural environment. The FRA has analyzed the No Action and 

Action Alternatives at a Tier 1 (broad) level of detail in order 

to understand and compare these effects. The analysis is 

presented in the Tier 1 Draft EIS. 

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

After considering the analysis presented in the Tier 1 Draft EIS 

and comments received from the public, agencies, and railroad 

stakeholders, the FRA will identify a preferred investment 

program (Preferred Alternative) that provides a framework 

for future rail improvements on the NEC. The Tier 1 Final 

EIS will describe and evaluate this Preferred Alternative. The 

FRA will formally select an alternative (Selected Alternative) 

in a Record of Decision to complete the Tier 1 environmental 

review process, and develop a Service Development Plan that 

defines the process for implementing the Selected Alternative. 

The Selected Alternative will be a road map for incremental 

improvement of the NEC necessary to achieve the selected 

vision for passenger rail in the NEC. A phasing plan will 

describe the priorities and proposed approach to implementing 

the improvements so that benefits throughout the NEC are 

maximized. As a framework for future rail improvements on the 

NEC, the Selected Alternative does not require any rail operator 

to fund or construct new infrastructure, but ensures that future 

investments by any entity are consistent with the long-term 

NEC vision and benefits all of its users. Improvements will be 

carried out as discrete projects that will undergo more detailed 

planning and environmental analysis.

NEC FUTURE is a historic opportunity to shape 

the future of the NEC and help ensure that the 

Northeast region continues to thrive. The Action 

Alternatives reflect public and stakeholder input, 

but the FRA’s work is not done. We still need 

your help and feedback to identify a Preferred 

Alternative.

WHAT ROLE SHOULD THE NEC PLAY IN 

THE FUTURE OF THE NORTHEAST? 

We hope you will help us make the best choice to 

keep our future on track. Please review the Tier 

1 Draft EIS and submit your comments online, 

by email, or by letter until January 30, 2016, or 

attend a public hearing. Details are at the end of 

this brochure.

REVIEW THE TIER 1 DRAFT EIS

Visit www.necfuture.com; copies are also available at libraries along the NEC.

What’s at stake in this decision? Help us make the 

smartest choice!

The selection of an investment program for the NEC will have farreaching effects on transportation in the Northeast. 
4 ways you can submit 

your comment

Submit a comment online at: 

www.necfuture.com

Comment in person by: 

Attending a Public Hearing

Comment via email: 

comment@necfuture.com

Or send comments to:

NEC FUTURE

Rebecca Reyes-Alicea

U.S. DOT Federal Railroad Administration 

One Bowling Green, Suite 429 

New York, NY 10004

Para información en español, visite: necfuture.com/es

For locations, visit www.necfuture.com.

Each hearing will run from 4-7 p.m., with scheduled 

presentations at 4:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. There will be 

an opportunity to speak following each presentation; 

if you plan to speak, please sign up when you arrive. 

A stenographer will also be available for private testimony, if you prefer. Comment cards will be available 

at each hearing. In the event of inclement weather, 

hearings may be canceled or rescheduled; please 

check the website at www.necfuture.com. If you 

require assistance to attend, please contact the NEC 

FUTURE team at comment@necfuture.com at least 

five days prior to the hearing you wish to attend. 

PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULE

Wednesday, December 9 Boston, MA

Monday, December 14 New Haven, CT 

Tuesday, December 15 New York, NY

Wednesday, December 16 Washington, DC

Thursday, December 17 Providence, RI

Monday, January 11 Philadelphia, PA

Tuesday, January 12 Mineola, NY

Wednesday, January 13 Hartford, CT

Thursday, January 14 Baltimore, MD

Tuesday, January 19 Newark, NJ

Wednesday, January 20 Wilmington, DE

Let us hear from you by January 30, 2016!

necfuture.com