by Noel T. Braymer, RailPAC President — “We know we have a product here that will absolutely knock the socks off the competition,” said Amtrak President George Warrington. “Only Amtrak’s Acela will provide a very special journey for customers who will travel downtown to downtown. Fares will be about 20% higher than the current Metroliners but 25% less than air. Amtrak is hoping Acela will boost its market share in the NEC from 12% to 15% and will lead to way toward profitability by 2002.” “Acela’s entry into the Northeast creates the first of many high-speed corridors Amtrak has staked out nationwide,” said Chairman of Amtrak’s Board of Directors, Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson. “We are committed to developing high-speed corridors across America that connect communities, create jobs, boost local and regional economies, and make rail a fast, high-quality way for Americans to travel.” Vice-Chairman, former Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis explained that “the successful launch of high-speed rail later this year will enable Amtrak to achieve its business goal of contributing $180m in revenue growth, once in full service … Acela is on track to meeting this commitment, and also as serving as a model for the rest of the nation.”

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