Lawmakers Urge Amtrak to Boost Northeast Corridor Service Ahead of Major Events

Representatives Kean, Malliotakis, and Fitzpatrick call for increased Acela and Northeast Regional train stops at Trenton and Metropark stations.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Three members of Congress - Representatives Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) - have sent a letter to Amtrak's president requesting robust Acela and Northeast Regional train service to the Trenton Transit Center and Metropark stations ahead of major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final and the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations. The lawmakers noted that Trenton has been left without any Acela service since a 2023 schedule update, while Metropark has seen a decrease in daily stops by both Acela and Northeast Regional trains.

Why it matters

The Trenton and Metropark stations serve as critical connection points to the Northeast Corridor for communities across North, Central, and South New Jersey, as well as parts of Southeast Pennsylvania and Staten Island. With millions of visitors expected in the region for high-profile events in 2026, the lawmakers are urging Amtrak to ensure these stations are adequately served to accommodate the anticipated ridership growth.

The details

In their letter to Amtrak's president, the representatives highlighted that Trenton, the state capital, is now the only state capital on the Acela line without a dedicated stop, while Metropark has seen a reduction in daily Acela and Northeast Regional train service since September 2023. The lawmakers are requesting that Amtrak restore robust service to these stations, including with the new Next-Gen Acela trainsets, to support regular commuters and the influx of visitors expected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final and the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations.

  • Since September 2023, Trenton has been left entirely without Acela service.
  • Since September 2023, Metropark has seen a decrease in daily stops by both Acela and Northeast Regional trains.
  • The 2026 FIFA World Cup Final and the nation's Semiquincentennial (250th anniversary) are expected to drive significant ridership increases between Philadelphia and New York City in 2026.

The players

Tom Kean, Jr.

A member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New Jersey's 7th congressional district.

Nicole Malliotakis

A member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York's 11th congressional district.

Brian Fitzpatrick

A member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania's 1st congressional district.

Roger Harris

The President of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak).

Trenton Transit Center

A train station in Trenton, New Jersey that serves as a connection point to the Northeast Corridor for communities across North, Central, and South New Jersey, as well as parts of Southeast Pennsylvania and Staten Island.

Metropark

A train station in Iselin, New Jersey that serves as a connection point to the Northeast Corridor for communities across North, Central, and South New Jersey, as well as parts of Southeast Pennsylvania and Staten Island.

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What they’re saying

“Our constituents rely on Amtrak services for regular commutes and other travel. As the rollout of the Next-Gen 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.”

— Tom Kean, Jr., Nicole Malliotakis, and Brian Fitzpatrick, Members of Congress (Letter to Amtrak President)

What’s next

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