Network Rail’s international consultancy arm has joined a group of international operators and infrastructure owners set up to advise on the multi-billion dollar modernisation of America’s busiest passenger rail corridor.
The Northeast Corridor (NEC) Partner Forum has been set up to support Amtrak to deliver its programme of improvements along America’s east coast.
With around 750,000 passengers using the line everyday, improving the quality of service on the Northeast Corridor has been highlighted as a priority project by Amtrak and the US government.
The aim is to increase operating speeds on the line, which connects Boston with Washington, New York and Philadelphia.[pullquote]We look forward to helping further develop rail in the United States, sharing the best of British engineering and ingenuity[/pullquote]
Network Rail Consulting highlighted North America, Central and Eastern Europe and India – countries with ageing infrastructure and a growing demand for rail travel – as key areas of interest when it launched in September last year.
Simon Kirby, chairman of Network Rail Consulting, said: “We believe we have much to offer other railways around the world and we are eager to support Amtrak on this key initiative. We look forward to helping further develop rail in the United States, sharing the best of British engineering and ingenuity.
“The NEC Partner Forum is a good fit for our business and will allow us to share valuable experience in developing pioneering approaches in asset management and the successful delivery of large and complex capital projects. Added to that, we look after one of the most heavily used railways in the world, on largely Victorian infrastructure. Despite these challenges, our railway carries more people on more trains than ever before, with improving levels of punctuality.”
Stephen Gardner, Amtrak vice president of NEC infrastructure and investment development, said: “I am delighted that Network Rail had joined the NEC Forum, formed of respected international railway operators and infrastructure owners. I expect that they will bring valuable experience to the group and make a significant contribution as Amtrak sets out on its vision for high speed rail.”
