The cities alongside the Eagle route have invested their money and enthusiasm to enhance Amtrak service. Forty years ago, the future of transportation was in highways and trucks, and the federal government built the interstate highway system. Now those systems are mature, and their functions should be complemented by the further development and expansion of our passenger and commuter rail systems. This is a long-term investment that will pay big dividends not too far down the line. Many of our highways and airport runways are operating at capacity.
Railroad lines remain the one under-utilized transportation infrastructure.
Passenger rail has the ability to expand its capacity rapidly, carry on despite severe weather conditions and transport large numbers of people in an environmentally sound manner. Railroads and light rail systems offer new options to people who can't drive and don't have access to airports. We have seen the future, and there are train tracks running through it.