Passenger rail sees historic spending as Downeaster turns 20

ASSOCIATED PRESS • December 15, 2021

Twenty years after Amtrak’s first Downeaster set off into darkness and uncertainty on a cold December morning, there’s light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to passenger rail expansion projects thanks to the $1 trillion federal infrastructure bill. Rail service is getting its biggest boost since Amtrak’s creation — including the lion’s share of up to $100 billion over the next five years. The money will fund major projects aimed at improving service in the Northeast corridor that have been in the works for years.