Bloomberg BusinessWeek: Amtrak Seeks $446 Million to Replace Aging Rail Fleet

Amtrak has asked Congress for $446 million to begin replacing locomotives and passenger cars. Passenger cars in Amtrak's fleet have been in service for an average of 24 years. Joseph Boardman, Amtrak CEO, said Amfleet I railcars, which he called the "backbone" of the regional service on the Northeast Corridor between Washington and Boston, were built in the late 1970s.

Yes, this is totally needed, long overdue and a very good investment if done widely. I think with a new Amtrak fleet that ridership will continue to increase. The cars Amtrak has now are OK but they can be better with more comfortable seats, better windows (how about skylights?), in-seat entertainment system (more $ opportunity for Amtrak?), more total number of seats so more riders so more money.