Amtrak Completes $3.5 Million Improvements at Huntingdon Station

Customers will benefit from station upgrades and platform improvements

Huntingdon, Pa. – Amtrak today announced completion of accessibility and customer experience improvements at Huntingdon Station (HGD), marking another milestone in the company’s commitment to providing a safer, more accessible, and welcoming travel experience for all customers.

“Every customer deserves a station experience that is safe, accessible, and comfortable,” said Amtrak Vice President of Accessibility Dr. David Handera. “The improvements at Huntingdon Station make it easier for passengers of all abilities to access our service, whether they are using mobility devices, traveling with strollers, or navigating the station with luggage.”

Customers will benefit from enhanced accessibility, safety, and amenities at Huntingdon Station through the following improvements:

♿ New ADA-compliant boarding platform

🏠 New passenger shelter

💡 Upgraded lighting and electrical systems

🌧️ Enhanced drainage and stormwater management features

🚶 Improved pedestrian crossing

🪧 New ADA-compliant signage

🔧 Additional site, utility, and customer amenity enhancements

These improvements support Amtrak’s broader efforts to modernize stations and create a more seamless travel experience for customers nationwide. Amtrak continues to advance station accessibility projects across the country as part of its long-term commitment to achieving a fully accessible national passenger rail network.

Located approximately halfway between Harrisburg and Pittsburgh, Huntingdon Station sits alongside the historic Pennsylvania Railroad depot built in 1872. The station has connected residents, students, and visitors to destinations throughout Pennsylvania and beyond for generations. Huntingdon Station is served by the Pennsylvanian route, which is financed primarily through funds made available by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).

REACTIONS

Senator John Fetterman (D-PA):

“I’ve always maintained that passenger rail is crucial in connecting communities in our commonwealth. It’s investments like this one that help keep PA moving forward. I applaud Amtrak’s efforts to make Huntingdon Station safer and more accessible for everyone who relies on the Pennsylvanian.”

Pennsylvania State Senator Judy Ward, Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee: 

“We are grateful for this investment to revamp the customer experience for every traveler at the Huntingdon Station,” said Senator Judy Ward, Chair of the Pennsylvania Senate Transportation Committee. “The second passenger train on Keystone West will begin this year and improve intercity connections for Rural Pennsylvania, which will be safer and more accessible thanks to these critical infrastructure upgrades at the Huntingdon Station.”

Pennsylvania State Representative Ed Neilson, Majority Chair of the House Transportation Committee:

“Everyone who uses public transportation should be able to do so safely and with ease. These upgrades at Huntingdon station allow a safer, more accessible experience for all riders. Additionally, with enhanced drainage and stormwater management, Amtrak is fostering sustainable features that will mitigate the need for more frequent maintenance.”

Thomas A. Yoder, Mayor: 

“Huntingdon Borough is most grateful for the beautiful improvements made by Amtrak to the Huntingdon Station. Amtrak is the Borough’s only form of public transportation, which is so important for Borough residents and for students attending Juniata College and nearby Penn State University. The new station is attractive, ADA compliant, and fits in so nicely with our historic district. The project brought outstanding improvements to the Borough’s transportation infrastructure.”

Mark Spada, President of Western Pennsylvanians for Passenger Rail (WPPR):

“These improvements make it so much easier for all persons to use passenger rail, the most affordable and environmentally friendly way to travel. We can’t wait for the start of the second daily Pennsylvanian this fall!”