Amtrak rejects transcontinental proposal from AmeriStarRail

Amtrak rejects transcontinental proposal from AmeriStarRail for a coast-to-coast passenger rail route that would link New York to Los Angeles, with a stop in Harrisburg and service to more than a dozen other Pennsylvania communities.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

In comments provided to FOX43, Amtrak said it reviewed AmeriStarRail’s plan and concluded it lacked “a fundamental business case” to support the idea. The operator added that it is not considering the proposed combined freight and passenger route and remains focused on enhanced interstate passenger service.

Don’t miss…FreightCar America acquires Carly Railcar Components to expand aftermarket reach

Amtrak rejects transcontinental proposal as AmeriStarRail pushes “Transcontinental Chief”

AmeriStarRail has been pitching the concept in recent months as the “Transcontinental Chief,” describing a New York to Los Angeles train that could complete the trip in under 72 hours, as outlined by Railway Supply. The company proposed a May 10, 2026 launch date, timed for the World Cup and America’s 250th anniversary.

Scott Spencer, Chief Operating Officer of AmeriStarRail, said Amtrak turned the proposal down without holding serious discussions about a joint venture. He argued that attracting private investment requires direct meetings, and said Amtrak’s view of the plan was limited to an open letter that AmeriStarRail shared publicly.

Legal limits and infrastructure behind the New York to Los Angeles train plan

Spencer said the Transcontinental Chief cannot move forward without Amtrak because federal law authorizes only Amtrak to operate coast-to-coast passenger rail routes. The plan would have combined passenger service with freight and auto transport, using existing infrastructure tied to Amtrak and Norfolk Southern. Spencer said private funding was ready, but investors could not commit without a joint venture agreement.

Congress, US DOT and FRA next steps, with a 2028 timeline

Even after the rejection, Spencer said he took encouragement from an Amtrak Board of Directors meeting earlier this month. During the Dec. 4 meeting, an Amtrak board member expressed interest in exploring how Amtrak and private partners could work together and create added value (Amtrak Public Board Meeting – December 4, 2025).

Spencer said he plans to work with Congress, the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Railroad Administration to bring Amtrak back to negotiations. He is also promoting a revised target of launching in 2028, timed with the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed: