Committee will help guide new routes, additional frequencies, and strategic investments across the Amtrak network
WASHINGTON – Following recent announcements of expanded passenger rail service, including a second daily Pennsylvanian train between Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Philadelphia and New York, Amtrak today announced the creation of a new Board-level System Expansion Committee focused on growing passenger rail service across the country.
The committee’s initial members are Robert A. Gleason [1] (Chair), Elaine Clegg [2] (Vice Chair), Joel Szabat, [3] Chris Koos [4], and a designated U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary representative.
“Expanding passenger rail service is essential to meeting growing demand, strengthening mobility, and connecting more communities to economic opportunity,” said Chair of the System Expansion Committee and Amtrak Board Member Rob Gleason. “The creation of this committee reflects Amtrak’s commitment to working with states, host railroads, and federal partners to advance new service opportunities and increase frequencies where investments and partnerships make growth possible.”
Approved by the Amtrak Board of Directors on July 30, the System Expansion Committee will serve as the Board’s primary forum for advancing passenger rail growth. The new committee comes as demand continues to grow across the Amtrak network. During the first nine months of the 2026 fiscal year, Amtrak served 1.7 million more customers than in the same period last year and exceeded its year-to-date ridership plan.
The committee will oversee:
🚆 Growing passenger rail service and frequencies
🗺️ Advancing corridor development opportunities
🤝 Expanding state-supported service partnerships
🛤️ Ensuring infrastructure and fleet readiness
💪 Strengthening host railroad partnerships
💰 Developing sustainable funding strategies for growth
The System Expansion Committee reflects Amtrak’s continued focus on turning growing demand into real service expansion, building on recent milestones such as the launch of Borealis [5] and the one-year anniversary of Amtrak Mardi Gras Service [6] as Amtrak expands connectivity and transportation choice across America.