Federal Independent Agencies
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from federal independent agencies.
Featured Stories
Weighing Costs and Benefits of Motivating Landowners to Reforest the Panama Canal Watershed
PANAMA CITY, Panama, Jan. 18 -- The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute issued the following news:
* * *
- How far should we go when paying for natural services? Economic sciences can help us calculate the exact amount
* * *
Nature is the main provider of resources to society. Without it we would not be able to cover our basic needs, such as clean water, food or medicine. But its ability to provide these 'ecosystem services' is often compromised by the presence of human beings and their land management decisions.
Seeking to improve the environmental health of natural ecosystems, Payments
... Show Full Article
PANAMA CITY, Panama, Jan. 18 -- The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute issued the following news:
* * *
- How far should we go when paying for natural services? Economic sciences can help us calculate the exact amount
* * *
Nature is the main provider of resources to society. Without it we would not be able to cover our basic needs, such as clean water, food or medicine. But its ability to provide these 'ecosystem services' is often compromised by the presence of human beings and their land management decisions.
Seeking to improve the environmental health of natural ecosystems, Paymentsfor Ecosystem Services (PES) programs were devised, which offer economic incentives to those who manage their lands in ways favorable to the environment. Scientists from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) and collaborators studied the viability of selected water related PES programs in the Panama Canal Watershed, from an economic point of view.
Their research focused on the costs and benefits of the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) offering contracts to landowners to reforest their lands through sustainable agriculture methods. Scientists evaluated the potential impact of this effort on increasing water flow and reducing sedimentation in Lake Gatun, the main lake feeding the Canal, during the summer months, a time when both conditions are critical for vessel transit.
Through surveys to more than 700 landowners across the Panama Canal Basin, they also managed to establish the "market equilibrium" for this type of program. That is, the point of perfect balance between the supply and demand of ecosystem services.
"Our research shows that there are market equilibria or limits to these programs, and that reforestation to increase dry-season water flow and reduce sedimentation only makes sense in certain areas. According to our analysis, the Panama Canal Authority is applying PES in exactly the right areas," said Jefferson Hall, forest ecologist at STRI.
In the end, this research strengthens the economic sciences linked to PES programs, since it provides mechanisms to analyze its scale and compare its costs and benefits, based on real data, something that most previous assessments have set aside.
The scientific team also reflected on the importance of national parks, such as the Chagres National Park, in the upper areas of the Basin. They suggested that reforesting 10 thousand hectares within the Park would have a greater impact on ecosystem services than reforesting all private lands eligible for a PES program.
"There are a variety of reasons agroforestry could be important in this watershed, such as enhanced livelihoods, biodiversity, carbon sequestration or flood mitigation. This manuscript only looked at two of these," concluded Hall.
Members of the research team are affiliated with STRI, the Department of Resource Economics and Environmental Sociology at the University of Alberta, the School of Forestry and Environmental Studies at Yale University, the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Global Institute for Water Security at the University of Saskatchewan, the Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering and the Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources at the University of Wyoming and the Water Mission Area of the U.S. Geological Survey. Research was funded by grants from the U.S. National Science Foundation's Water, Sustainability and Climate Program, the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, the Weyerhaeuser Memorial Fund, the Silicon Valley Foundation, Stanley Motta and the Hoch Family.
RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal Marks Nearly A Decade Of Impact In Pakistan's Tribal Regions
WASHINGTON, Jan. 18 -- The Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, a subsidiary of Broadcasting Board of Governors, issued the following news release:
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) this week is marking almost a decade of reporting serving as a powerful alternative to extremist propaganda in Pakistan's remote and restive tribal regions along the Afghan border.
"A decade ago, the youths in Pakistan's tribal areas were resorting to violence to demand their basic rights. Today, they are using democratic means to seek justice," said Amin Mudaqiq, director of Radio Mashaal, RFE/RL's Pashto-language
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Jan. 18 -- The Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, a subsidiary of Broadcasting Board of Governors, issued the following news release:
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) this week is marking almost a decade of reporting serving as a powerful alternative to extremist propaganda in Pakistan's remote and restive tribal regions along the Afghan border.
"A decade ago, the youths in Pakistan's tribal areas were resorting to violence to demand their basic rights. Today, they are using democratic means to seek justice," said Amin Mudaqiq, director of Radio Mashaal, RFE/RL's Pashto-languageservice. "Radio Mashaal is a voice of the people in their language in this region, and I believe we have played a role," he said.
RFE/RL launched Radio Mashaal in 2010 to engage audiences, primarily youth, which are targeted by the "mullah" radio of the Taliban and the recruitment efforts of militant groups that have had a monopoly on information in Pakistan's Federally Administered Tribal Areas, merged with Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in May 2018.
Radio Mashaal's impact is driven by its unique content and an aggressive digital strategy, which it adopted in response to the spread of mobile phones in the region and extremist content on social media. In 2018 it registered over 42 million engaged users on Facebook, almost 100 million video views on YouTube - 10 times the number of views logged in 2017 - and 2 million followers on combined social media platforms.
Speaking recently on Radio Mashaal about its role, prominent women's rights activist Gulalai Ismail, a recipient of the 2017 Anna Politkovskaya Award and a "leading global figure" named by Foreign Policy in 2013, lauded it for creating awareness about women rights and providing a platform for the discussion of ordinary people's problems in a region where media is otherwise not free to cover such issues.
Safdar Dawar, a senior journalist from the tribal areas and former president of the Tribal Journalists Union, recently told Mashaal, "We have no TV channels, newspapers or other media outlets in the tribal region. With the emergence of Radio Mashaal ... [p]eople got awareness and now demand not only the provision of basic needs but also the protection of their fundamental rights."
Such reporting is not without risks. Pakistan's tribal areas are notoriously dangerous, and Mashaal's reporting on local issues and human rights makes it a frequent target of militant groups, state security agencies, and criminal gangs. "Taliban groups call us threatening to attack if we refuse their demands, and intelligence agency officials pressure our journalists," said Mudaqiq.
"We resist these pressures, but we are always walking a tightrope to ensure we are balanced and to try and ensure the safety of our reporters."
Such pressures culminated on January 19 last year, when Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Agency ordered the closure of Radio Mashaal's Islamabad bureau, claiming its programming is "against the interest of Pakistan." RFE/RL has deplored the closure and called on authorities to ensure that its journalists "be permitted to resume their work without fear."
Mashaal's website has remained partially blocked in Pakistan since July 2018 in what may be an additional effort to suppress its reporting.
In their most recent surveys of press freedom, Freedom House designated Pakistan "not free" with a score of 141 out of 198 countries assessed. Reporters Without Borders ranked Pakistan 139 of 180 countries in its Press Freedom Index.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has reported a decline in fatal attacks against the media in Pakistan in 2018, but documented "acts of intimidation" and increased "fear and censorship" among journalists, adding that "measures to stomp out terrorism in the country have gone hand-in-hand with increased pressure on the media" to prevent critical reporting.
Monetary Policy: A 'Data Dependent' Approach
SOMERSET, New Jersey, Jan. 18 -- The Federal Reserve's Bank of New York issued the following statement by President and CEO John C. Williams at the New Jersey Bankers Association's Economic Leadership Forum:
"Good morning everyone. I wish every conference I went to had such an incredible opening--Joe's certainly a hard act to follow. I have a son who's a very talented artist, but he didn't get those genes from me. So I'm going to stick to what I know--monetary policy.
"Today I'll talk about the economy, how I'm assessing the outlook, and what that means for monetary policy. It's early in the
... Show Full Article
SOMERSET, New Jersey, Jan. 18 -- The Federal Reserve's Bank of New York issued the following statement by President and CEO John C. Williams at the New Jersey Bankers Association's Economic Leadership Forum:
"Good morning everyone. I wish every conference I went to had such an incredible opening--Joe's certainly a hard act to follow. I have a son who's a very talented artist, but he didn't get those genes from me. So I'm going to stick to what I know--monetary policy.
"Today I'll talk about the economy, how I'm assessing the outlook, and what that means for monetary policy. It's early in theday, so I'll try and keep the recitation of facts and figures to a minimum. But I know there are a lot of bankers in the room and that the direction of interest rates plays a vital role in your business, so, rest assured, I won't skimp on that topic.
"Given that I've promised to talk about interest rates, before I say another word I'll give the standard Fed disclaimer that the views I express are mine alone and do not necessarily reflect those of the Federal Open Market Committee or anyone else in the Federal Reserve System.
The Dual Mandate
"I want to start this morning by reminding everyone what the goals of the Federal Reserve are. It's easy to think of the Fed as just setting interest rates, and of course that's a major part of what we do. But we do so in order to achieve two goals set by Congress: maximum employment and price stability. In Fed-speak it's called the dual mandate.
"There are serious debates taking place amongst economists and policymakers about what maximum employment actually looks like, and they probably deserve another speech of their own. But I promised not to deluge you with numbers, so I'll focus on a few highlights.
"The unemployment rate last year averaged just under 4 percent, the lowest such annual figure since 1969. The latest jobs numbers also showed very strong growth, with over 2.6 million jobs added last year. The ongoing strength in the labor market has led to encouraging gains in wages. No matter how you cut it, the labor market is strong, consistent with our maximum employment goal.
"When we say price stability, our goal is to keep inflation around 2 percent.1 Those of you who are of my generation will remember the runaway inflation of the 1970s and early 1980s. Obviously that's something we must avoid repeating. But the challenge of more recent years actually hasn't been too high inflation. Instead, it's been inflation that's persistently too low. Over the past decade, inflation has more often than not come in below our goal.
"But things are looking better. Underlying measures of inflation have been running just below 2 percent over the past 12 months, and I expect them to be right at 2 percent this year. And I don't see any worrying signs of inflationary pressures building. So, from the perspective of the Fed's dual mandate as a whole, things are looking very good.
"Of course, for this healthy jobs market and low and stable inflation to persist, we need solid growth in the economy. While GDP growth in 2018 looks to have been a robust 3 percent, we're hearing anxiety both in the markets and the commentary, about what's to come in 2019.
"I wish I could now tell you with certainty what will happen to the economy, but anyone who promises they can see into the future is a charlatan. However, what I can do is provide you with some insight into how I assess the health of the economy and what that means for my view on the monetary policy decisions before us.
Data Dependent
"I often say I'm data dependent, and I've talked about the major economic indicators, GDP growth, inflation, and employment. But these headline numbers aren't the only things that inform my view on monetary policy, or the economy more broadly. I'm looking at a whole raft of information about what's going on and where risks may be lurking.
"Employment and unemployment numbers provide a useful summary measure of what's happening in the labor market. But "data" doesn't stop there. There are many sources of information on labor market conditions that I regularly consult. They range from very granular data that zero in on individuals' experiences in the labor market, to indices of job openings, how many people are quitting their jobs, and labor market participation, to name a few.
"But it's not just these hard numbers that matter. I also find surveys of households and businesses provide valuable and timely perspectives about economic conditions. For example, there's a questionnaire that asks people whether jobs are "hard to get." It's helpful because it gives the perceptions of normal people (and not economists!) about whether there are a lot of open positions. This survey continues to report that it's relatively easy to find work, which is a very good sign about the strength of the economy.2
"Beyond the economic data and surveys, financial market indicators are a critical source of up-to-the minute information on how investors view the economy. In addition, stock prices and interest rates affect the spending decisions of households and businesses, and the value of the dollar affects demand for exports and imports, so these are important factors shaping the economy's trajectory.
"More broadly, I look at a wealth of data on international financial market developments and banking conditions, which feed into my understanding of the global outlook.
"Finally, and perhaps least well known, I spend a great deal of time speaking with members of the public, at our Board and Advisory Group meetings, community and business leader forums, and events like today's. I get immense value from their insights, whether it's the challenges they face in filling positions, their plans for capital investments, or how global developments are influencing their decisions. These discussions provide a huge amount of detail and texture to the economic picture. One of the great strengths of the Federal Reserve System is our extensive networks of contacts in our communities, and we share what we learn from these conversations when we meet at the FOMC.
"Being "data dependent" means taking this holistic view when thinking about the economy and monetary policy. Not all of these types of data draw headlines the way shifts in the stock market do, but together they provide a much richer and more complete depiction of what's happening. And they also tell me whether the signals we're getting from the markets are reflected in the economy as a whole.
2018 Tailwinds
"In thinking about where the economy is heading, it's worth reflecting on where we were 12 months ago.
"At the start of last year the message I was getting--from business leaders, economic data, and the markets--was one of overwhelming positivity. This reflected three tailwinds: strong global growth, fiscal stimulus, and quite accommodative financial conditions. Each of these was giving the economy an extra boost. Indeed, these tailwinds provided even more of a boost over most of 2018 than forecasters had anticipated.
"Fast forward 12 months and indicators in Europe and Asia point to less optimism about global growth. The initial lift from the fiscal stimulus will likely wane over the course of this year. And financial conditions have become less accommodative over the past several months. In addition, we are now seeing some emerging headwinds to growth from the partial government shutdown in the United States and elevated geopolitical uncertainties abroad.
"Other "data" confirm that the winds in our sails have calmed. The headlines have been about investors' concerns around growth, which have contributed to volatility in markets. This is also showing through in surveys of households and businesses, who say that they are somewhat less confident about future economic prospects. For example, the latest Empire State Manufacturing Survey and New York Fed Business Leaders Survey both point to slowing growth in the region. And there is no doubt that my colleagues and I are hearing the same thing directly from our business and financial market contacts, who are more focused on the possibility of a weaker economic outlook this year.3
"But let me be clear: a softer economic outlook doesn't mean we should prepare for doom and gloom. On the contrary, it's likely we'll see GDP growth somewhere between 2 and 21/2 percent this year. That's a step down from 2018, but still consistent with a healthy, growing economy.
Supporting a Strong Economy
"So, how should the Fed respond to an outlook of slowing growth and one that's less certain than, say, this time last year? In a word: carefully.
"At the start of 2018, when the economy was growing well above trend and interest rates still were still quite low, gradually raising rates was the obvious and necessary choice. Twelve months later, the tailwinds have lost their gust, interest rates are closer to normal levels, and inflation is tame. The approach we need is one of prudence, patience, and good judgment. The motto of "data dependence" is more relevant than ever.
"If growth continues to come in well above sustainable levels, somewhat higher interest rates may well be called for at some point. However, if conditions turn out to be less robust, then I will adjust my policy views accordingly.
"I assure you that I have my eyes wide open and my ear to the ground when it comes to thinking about how the economic outlook will unfold in the year ahead, and as ever I'll be guided by the data in all its forms.
The Balance Sheet
"Aside from my views on interest rates, the other issue I get asked about is the normalization of the balance sheet. When we first announced our plans in June 2017, I was poised to expound on them in great detail.4 But when I raised the topic I was sorely disappointed to be met with glazed eyes and general indifference. Sadly, nobody seemed to care!
Now that's changed, and I'm getting more interest on this topic.
"It's important to remember why the Fed took unconventional monetary policy actions in the first place. Large-scale asset purchases, forward guidance on the future path of interest rates, and seven years where the federal funds rate hovered close to zero, were all measures necessary for the full recovery from the Great Recession.
"A decade later and the FOMC has slowly but surely been moving monetary policy "back to normal." We've moved interest rates closer to neutral, scaled back on forward guidance, and are over a year into the process of winding down the balance sheet.5
"Our goals throughout the policy normalization process have been twofold. First and foremost, to support a strong, sustainable expansion of the economy. Second, to do this in a predictable and transparent way that creates as little disruption as possible.6 So far, this plan has worked very well, with the economic expansion nearing record duration.
"But it is important to stress that if circumstances change, I will reassess our choices regarding monetary policy, including the path of balance sheet normalization. Data dependence applies to all that we do. And, as always, if the outlook deteriorates in a material way, we stand prepared to deploy all our policy tools as appropriate in support of the economy.
Conclusion
"I'd like to conclude where I began, with the dual mandate. There's sometimes a view that Fed policymakers are fixated on two data points: inflation and employment. And the reason is that's how we're judged by Congress at doing our job.
"But underpinning these is a strong economy, and ultimately that's what we're always using monetary policy to support. So, as the year unfolds I've got my eyes wide open, looking at the data and listening to experience--whether it's coming from household surveys, market indicators, or from leaders in my District.
"The economy is strong, the outlook is healthy, and my number one priority is using monetary policy to keep it that way. In short, I'm watching, listening, and prepared to adjust my views depending on the data."
Footnotes:
1. For more information on how the FOMC specifies its goals, see Statement on Longer-Run Goals and Monetary Policy Strategy, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, amended January 30, 2018.
2. This question on whether jobs are "hard to get" is part of the survey conducted by Nielsen for the Conference Board that is used to calculate the Conference Board's consumer confidence index. Information about the survey, including the latest press release of the index, is available at https://www.conference-board.org/data/consumerconfidence.cfm.
3. For example, the minutes of the December FOMC meeting stated that "Participants also reported hearing more frequent concerns about the global economic outlook from business contacts" (page 8). Later on the same page, the minutes said "However, contacts in a number of Districts appeared less upbeat than at the time of the November meeting, as concerns about a variety of factors--including trade policy, waning fiscal stimulus, slowing global economic growth, or financial market volatility--were reportedly beginning to weigh on business sentiment." See Minutes of the Federal Open Market Committee: December 18-19, 2018, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, January 9, 2019.
4. See FOMC issues addendum to the Policy Normalization Principles and Plans, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, June 14, 2017.
5. See John C. Williams, 'Normal' Monetary Policy in Words and Deeds, September 28, 2018.
6. See FOMC Communications related to Policy Normalization, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, updated June 13, 2018.
Federal Reserve Board's Industrial Production and Capacity Utilization Statistical Release Marks the 100th Anniversary of Board Data on Industrial Production
WASHINGTON, Jan. 18 -- The Federal Reserve issued the following news release:
The publication on Friday of the Federal Reserve Board's monthly statistical release on industrial production and capacity utilization marks the 100th anniversary of Board data on industrial production. The index has kept pace with an ever-evolving industrial sector by providing information that spans from the rise of the modern factory through the digital age.
The Board began collecting information about industrial production to satisfy the Federal Reserve's need for timely and relevant data on the U.S. economy. The
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Jan. 18 -- The Federal Reserve issued the following news release:
The publication on Friday of the Federal Reserve Board's monthly statistical release on industrial production and capacity utilization marks the 100th anniversary of Board data on industrial production. The index has kept pace with an ever-evolving industrial sector by providing information that spans from the rise of the modern factory through the digital age.
The Board began collecting information about industrial production to satisfy the Federal Reserve's need for timely and relevant data on the U.S. economy. TheBoard's measure of industrial production remains an important economic indicator today and is frequently used by academics, businesses, and policymakers.
The index originally divided output into 55 categories and now includes 300, reflecting an increased ability to track the diversity and changing composition of the industrial sector. For example, in 1919, textile manufacturing represented nearly a quarter of the index. Almost the same proportion is represented in 2019 by the combination of motor vehicles and parts, aircraft, and oil and gas extraction. Textiles now represent less than 1 percent of the index. A short history of the index that describes its introduction and tracks its changes and improvements over the past century is available on the Board's website. (https://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/g17/100_years_of_ip_data.htm)
For media inquiries, call 202-452-2955.
Dallas Fed Reappoints William Serrata to El Paso Branch Board
DALLAS, Texas, Jan. 18 -- The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas issued the following news release:
The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas has reappointed El Paso County Community College president William Serrata to its El Paso Branch board of directors.
He will serve a full three-year term ending Dec. 31, 2021. He joined the board in June 2018 to fill the remaining term of a vacated seat.
As a board member, Serrata provides input on regional economic conditions as part of the Federal Reserve's monetary policy functions.
Serrata has served as president of the El Paso County Community College District
... Show Full Article
DALLAS, Texas, Jan. 18 -- The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas issued the following news release:
The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas has reappointed El Paso County Community College president William Serrata to its El Paso Branch board of directors.
He will serve a full three-year term ending Dec. 31, 2021. He joined the board in June 2018 to fill the remaining term of a vacated seat.
As a board member, Serrata provides input on regional economic conditions as part of the Federal Reserve's monetary policy functions.
Serrata has served as president of the El Paso County Community College Districtsince August 2012. He previously served as vice president for student affairs and enrollment management at South Texas College in McAllen.
Serrata serves on the boards of Workforce Solutions Borderplex, Greater El Paso Chamber of Commerce, United Way of El Paso and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and is former chair of the Hospitals of Providence East Campus.
He also is a member of the executive committee of the Texas Association of Community Colleges, and serves as chair of the Student Success Committee and Texas Success Center Advisory Committee.
Serrata is chair of the Directors of Excelencia in Education, and serves on the advisory board of the Higher Education Research and Development Institute and the executive committee of the American Association of Community Colleges board.
Serrata holds a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University, master's degree from University of Texas at Brownsville and Ph.D. from Texas A&M.
The El Paso Branch board consists of seven members, four appointed by the Dallas Fed and three appointed by the Federal Reserve Board of Governors in Washington, D.C.
For more information on the Dallas Fed, visit http://www.dallasfed.org.
Amtrak Seeks New Passenger Equipment for Northeast Regional and State Corridor Service
WASHINGTON, Jan. 18 -- The National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) issued the following news release:
Amtrak has released a Request for Proposals today, for a new fleet of single-level passenger rail vehicles to replace Amfleet I cars, providing new equipment with contemporary rail amenities to better serve Amtrak customers. Amfleet I cars are used primarily on the Northeast Corridor (NEC) and adjacent State Corridor routes, including Empire Service, Ethan Allen Express, Maple Leaf, Adirondack, Vermonter, Downeaster, Carolinian, Pennsylvanian, Keystone Service, Virginia Service and New
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Jan. 18 -- The National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) issued the following news release:
Amtrak has released a Request for Proposals today, for a new fleet of single-level passenger rail vehicles to replace Amfleet I cars, providing new equipment with contemporary rail amenities to better serve Amtrak customers. Amfleet I cars are used primarily on the Northeast Corridor (NEC) and adjacent State Corridor routes, including Empire Service, Ethan Allen Express, Maple Leaf, Adirondack, Vermonter, Downeaster, Carolinian, Pennsylvanian, Keystone Service, Virginia Service and NewHaven/Springfield Service.
"Nearly half of Amtrak's annual ridership is comprised of trips along the Northeast Corridor and adjoining corridors, and this new state-of-the-art equipment will provide customers with an enjoyable and efficient travel experience," said Amtrak Vice President of Corporate Planning Byron Comati.
Amenities will include improved Wi-Fi equipment and connectivity, improved seating, weather-tight doors and vestibules as well as freedom to move throughout the train conveniently. The modernized fleet will also feature large picture windows, improved climate control systems for passenger comfort and completely new designs for restrooms and passageways between cars. Also, the new rail equipment will feature bi-directional operating capability, which will minimize endpoint turnaround times and provide operating efficiency.
The new railcars and trainsets will include all necessary equipment for Positive Train Control technology and meet recently updated federal Tier I safety standards for equipment operating at speeds of up to 125 MPH. Also, the new equipment will adhere to all accessibility requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The new trainsets will replace Amtrak's fleet of 470 Amfleet I and ex-Metroliner railcars. Amfleet I railcars are over 40 years of age, while Amtrak's fleet of ex-Metroliner equipment entered service 50 years ago this week for Amtrak's predecessor, Penn Central. The base order for the new replacements includes 75 trainsets or their railcar equivalents with options to provide equipment for future service growth along the NEC and other state-supported routes. While Amtrak has recently refurbished the interiors of its Amfleet I railcars with new seating upholstery and carpeting, the age of the fleet and industry-standard lead times for new equipment requires that the replacement effort for this work-horse fleet begin now.
The Amfleet I replacement is one more step in Amtrak's plan to upgrade and enhance the passenger experience, complementing other onboard and in-station initiatives including: acquiring new, modern locomotives and Acela trainsets; ongoing improvements at New York Penn Station; opening the new Moynihan Train Hall in New York; and further development of stations in Chicago, Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Philadelphia.
Amtrak Adding Second Daily Roundtrip Train to Norfolk
WASHINGTON, Jan. 18 -- The National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) issued the following news release:
Customers can soon take advantage of more opportunities to travel by train as Amtrak increases daily service between Norfolk, Va., and Boston. Beginning in March, customers in the waterfront city and surrounding areas will be able to choose from two daily departures of the Amtrak Northeast Regional when planning travel to the Northeast.
Amtrak provides a same-seat trip to and from Norfolk, and makes intermediate stops in Richmond, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City,
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Jan. 18 -- The National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) issued the following news release:
Customers can soon take advantage of more opportunities to travel by train as Amtrak increases daily service between Norfolk, Va., and Boston. Beginning in March, customers in the waterfront city and surrounding areas will be able to choose from two daily departures of the Amtrak Northeast Regional when planning travel to the Northeast.
Amtrak provides a same-seat trip to and from Norfolk, and makes intermediate stops in Richmond, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City,and other cities along the Northeast Corridor. The Norfolk station is also a stop for the Thruway bus connection for service to the Amtrak station in Newport News.
Amtrak and the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) partner to provide intercity passenger rail service throughout the Commonwealth. Amtrak service returned to Norfolk in 2012, and in Roanoke in 2017.
"Amtrak service is a vital alternative in the Commonwealth's overall transportation solution," said Joe McHugh, Vice President, State-Supported Business Development for Amtrak. "DRPT and other partners work together to meet the increasing demand for passenger rail service and provide additional capacity."
Customers experience a comfortable and enjoyable way to travel on a national network serving more than 500 destinations, and benefits such as a free and generous baggage policy, free Wi-Fi, no middle seat and an easy, streamlined boarding process.
The Amtrak Northeast Regional features Coach and Business Class offering outlets for mobile devices. The Cafe Car offers sandwiches, salads, snacks and hot and cold beverages, including a variety of wine, beer and soda.
