{mosads}The agency also said it would continue to work on its plan to increase the speed of its trains to 220 miles per hour in 30 years, which some Republicans have argued is too long a timetable for achieving high-speed rail.
That criticism notwithstanding, Amtrak CEO Joseph Boardman said the agency “is building the equipment, infrastructure and organization needed to ensure our strong growth continues into the future.
“We are investing in projects critical for enhancing the passenger experience, essential for supporting our national network of services and vital for the future of America’s Railroad,” he said in a statement.
Boardman said Amtrak’s plans for 2012 included upgrading tracks the agency owns in the Northeast rail corridor, which had been the target of the Republican privatization efforts. He said the agency would also work on “bridges and other infrastructure” and seek to expand its existing Acela high-speed rail service.
The agency will also attempt to lay the groundwork for its “gateway program” to increase the capacity of railways leading into New York City, Boardman added.