Amtrak to Receive Over $1 Billion in Coronavirus Emergency Aid

Statement

The Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced they will release over $1 billion dollars in Coronavirus relief aid to Amtrak. This funding is part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the $2 trillion emergency stimulus package Congress passed in March. Of the total funding $492 million will go directly to the North East Corridor which runs through New Jersey.

Amtrak has experienced steep ridership declines since the outbreak began. The funding released by DOT will keep thousands of Amtrak employees employed, and ensure America's intercity passenger rail stays on track, continuing service in the Northeast and nationwide. This transit funding is in addition to the $1.7 billion that NJ Transit received from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to help continue operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Our nation's rail systems are an essential part of New Jersey's economy," said Congressman Malinowski. "I fought hard in Congress to provide the resources Amtrak and NJ Transit need to keep the trains running, and their workers paid throughout this crisis."

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