HARRISBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) —A second-daily “Pennsylvanian” train, between New York City and Pittsburgh via Harrisburg, will begin operating in mid-November.
Governor Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Mike Carroll announced the rail expansion Monday, Aug. 24, which followed a collaboration with Amtrak and Norfolk Southern. More than $80 million has already been invested into the expansion, with construction already underway or completed.
“Railroads transformed our Commonwealth into a powerhouse of the Industrial Age and my Administration is focused on continuing that legacy while responding to our communities needs and helping them grow,” said Shapiro. “The people of western Pennsylvania have waited a long time for more passenger rail service and my Administration has chased every opportunity to get this done. I’m proud to announce that the Pennsylvanian will soon expand to twice daily trips between New York City and Pittsburgh.”
Officials said the new passenger rail service will connect Pennsylvanians and bring jobs, economic development and infrastructure investments to communities throughout the state.
“This momentous milestone was made possible by the department successfully securing federal infrastructure funding and this Administration’s nonstop coordination with Amtrak and Norfolk Southern,” said PennDOT Secretary Carroll. “Combined with the relentless advocacy of elected officials and community members along this corridor, this tireless work is making this long-awaited service expansion a reality.”
Ticket sales are expected to begin in October, ahead of the Pennsylvanian’s start of service.
“The second daily Pennsylvanian train will give customers more travel options and convenience between Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Philadelphia, New York and communities along the route,” said Amtrak Board Member Robert Gleason. “This expansion highlights the strong partnership between Amtrak, PennDOT and Norfolk Southern and our shared commitment to improving mobility and connectivity across Pennsylvania. We look forward to continuing our work with President Trump to strengthen America’s passenger rail network.”
The Pennsylvanian will travel Norfolk Southern’s Pittsburgh Line, which is part of the Premier Corridor, an area known for double-stack intermodal traffic between Chicago and New York City. In 2023, to increase passengers on this line, the Shapiro Administration received $143 million in federal funding to complete infrastructure and safety improvements. This investment, along with the Commonwealth transit fund, will cover remaining improvements that Norfolk Southern will complete.
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“The expansion of Pennsylvanian service demonstrates what is possible when public and private partners work together toward a shared vision for rail transportation,” said Norfolk Southern Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer Mike McClellan. “Norfolk Southern is proud to support efforts that expand transportation options for Pennsylvanians while maintaining the safe and efficient movement of freight across the Commonwealth. We remain committed to our partnership with PennDOT and Amtrak as we support efforts that benefit communities, passengers, shippers and rail customers alike.”
More information on the Shapiro Administration’s efforts to improve intercity passenger rail in Pennsylvania is available on PennDOT’s website.
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