Expanding Amtrak Offers Energy Efficient & Climate Friendly Alternative

Press Release

Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-3) praised the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act (H.R. 6003), which would modernize and expand Amtrak and other intercity passenger rail service and infrastructure. Additionally, DeLauro spoke on the House floor in support of an amendment offered by Congressman Chris Murphy (CT-5) to express support for commuter rail service between New Haven , CT , and Springfield , MA , as well as Amtrak to cooperate with state Departments of Transportation to meet this goal.

Because intercity passenger rail consumes 21% less energy per passenger mile than automobiles and 17% less energy per passenger mile than airlines, it is more energy efficient. Additionally, passenger rail reduces global warming because it cuts in half carbon dioxide impact per passenger over cars and airplanes. The average intercity passenger rail train produces 60% lower carbon dioxide emissions per passenger mile than the average automobile, and 50% lower emissions than the average airplane.

"As gas prices continue to skyrocket and more Americans than ever are looking for new ways to get where they are going without filling their gas tank. It is no wonder Connecticut has seen a 5.5 percent increase in commuter rail usage over the first quarter of 2008 alone," said DeLauro. "Despite this growth many commuters who would use commuter rail service do not have that option. Today, there is very limited commuter rail service in the central portion of our state, north through population centers like Hartford and up to Springfield , Massachusetts .

" New England 's traffic has increased two to three times faster than its population since 1990. When 80 percent of Connecticut commuters drive to work by themselves, facing one of the longest average commute times in the nation, we must provide a better alternative.

"That is why Amtrak and the Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) are currently in discussions to create a cooperative framework by which the Amtrak-owned New Haven - Springfield line could serve as the conduit for increased commuter rail run by ConnDOT.

"The demand is there and the benefits are clear: Expanded commuter rail service on the New Haven - Springfield line will result in an estimated 630,000 more trips a year and over 2 million passenger miles annually.

"Reducing congestion. Curbing pollution. Confronting our dependence on foreign oil. Simply providing a better quality of life. As families continue to get squeezed by soaring gas prices, we have a responsibility to move beyond all the talk and start offering genuine alternatives and long-term solutions."

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