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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 11, 2008
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Contact: Zach Goldberg
202-225-5801 (office) |
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HOLT SUPPORTS HOUSE-PASSED BILL TO REINVEST IN AMTRAK
Bill Includes Holt Provision to Improve Service at Princeton Junction Station
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(Washington, D.C.) – Representative Rush Holt (NJ-12) today supported the “Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act” – legislation that would increase funding for Amtrak to $14.4 billion over the next five years to cover operating costs, repairs and reforms. It would also support the construction of a high-speed rail line between Washington and New York and require the government and Amtrak jointly to develop minimum standards for measuring the performance of inter-city passenger trains.
In the last six years, Amtrak has been operating without Congressional authorization. Holt noted that in order to keep from going out of business, Amtrak was forced to delay necessary repairs and security improvements, freeze the salaries of its employees, and withhold on employee pensions. Holt urged President Bush to rescind his veto threat.
“It is no exaggeration to say that rail service is the lifeline from which New Jersey’s state economy draws nourishment. Our region’s employers – small, medium, and large – depend upon an integrated rail operation to enable many of their employees to get to and from work,” Holt said. “The continued operation of Amtrak is an essential component of easing traffic congestion, reducing wear and tear on roads, protecting our environment and preserving open space in New Jersey and across the country.”
The legislation also includes Holt’s amendment to require Amtrak to evaluate passenger rail service between Princeton Junction, NJ, and New York City. While New Jersey Transit has experienced record ridership in recent years, since 2004 Amtrak ridership at Princeton Junction station has decreased by 90 percent because of cuts to service and an increase in prices. The study would determine the feasibility and effectiveness of increasing services or reducing commuter ticket prices.
“Countless Central New Jersey residents who used to rely on Amtrak to get to work have seen a drastic reduction in services and increased fares at the Princeton Junction station. While NJ Transit has stepped in to fill the ridership void, the drastic increase in demand for public transportation necessitates that all available infrastructure be used efficiently.”
Video of Rep. Holt speaking on the House floor about his amendment and Amtrak Reauthorization can be found at: http://www.holt.house.gov/amtrakvideo.shtml.
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