Lawmakers press for Amtrak service to Trenton and Metropark

As reported by Trains, Amtrak service to Trenton and Metropark is being sought by three members of Congress from the Northeast. They are asking the rail operator to add service at the two New Jersey stations.

Why Amtrak service to Trenton and Metropark is being discussed

In a letter to Amtrak President Roger Harris, U.S. Reps. Tom Kean Jr. (R-N.J.), Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) cite upcoming World Cup soccer games and semiquincentennial events planned in New Jersey. They say those events are expected to increase ridership. Also, they say the two stations “serve dense constituencies and economic drivers.”

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Northeast Corridor service changes at Trenton and Metropark

The lawmakers also note that, since Amtrak’s September 2023 schedule revision, Trenton has been the only state capital on the Northeast Corridor without Acela service. Meanwhile, Metropark, about 17 miles southwest of Newark, has seen a decrease in Acela and Northeast Regional stops.

In their letter, the legislators write: “Decreased service to Trenton and Metropark risks distancing the government, residential, and tourism hubs they serve from access to the Northeast Corridor.”

NextGen Acela trainsets and the request to Amtrak

Still, the lawmakers also make a second point. They add, “As the rollout of the NextGen Acela trainsets continues and as these high-profile events approach, we request that you ensure Trenton and Metropark are adequately served in the face of this anticipated ridership growth, including by Acela trainsets.”

In addition, the full letter is available here.

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