USA: The newly formed Amtrak System Expansion Committee will guide new routes, additional frequencies and strategic investments needed to support passenger rail growth across the country.

Amtrak ALC-42 locomotive leading the Lake Shore Limited in Massachusetts
An Amtrak ALC-42 locomotive leads the Lake Shore Limited through Wellesley, Massachusetts, in June 2026.

Amtrak announced the new board-level body on September 1 after recent service expansion plans, including a second daily Pennsylvanian linking Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Philadelphia and New York. The Amtrak Board of Directors approved the committee on July 30, making it the board’s main forum for considering network growth.

Amtrak System Expansion Committee sets priorities

Robert A. Gleason will chair the committee, with Elaine Clegg serving as vice chair. Joel Szabat, Chris Koos and a representative designated by the U.S. Department of Transportation secretary complete its initial membership.

“Expanding passenger rail service is essential to meeting growing demand, strengthening mobility, and connecting more communities to economic opportunity,” said Gleason, chair of the System Expansion Committee and an Amtrak board member.

He added:

“The creation of this committee reflects Amtrak’s commitment to working with states, host railroads, and federal partners to advance new service opportunities and increase frequencies where investments and partnerships make growth possible.”

The committee’s remit covers six areas:

  • expanding passenger services and train frequencies;
  • advancing opportunities to develop rail corridors;
  • extending partnerships for state-supported services;
  • preparing infrastructure and rolling stock for growth;
  • strengthening cooperation with host railroads; and
  • developing sustainable funding strategies.

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Ridership provides the immediate backdrop

The decision comes as demand across Amtrak’s network continues to rise. In the first nine months of fiscal 2026, the operator carried 1.7 million more passengers than during the same period a year earlier and remained ahead of its year-to-date ridership plan.

Amtrak placed the committee’s formation alongside recent expansion milestones. These include the launch of Borealis and the first anniversary of Amtrak Mardi Gras Service. The new body will provide board-level oversight of efforts to add routes and frequencies where partnerships and investment make growth possible.

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