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9/2/2026
Amtrak has created a new board-level System Expansion Committee that will focus on expanding passenger-rail service throughout the United States. The new committee was approved on July 30 and will serve as the board's primary forum for advancing system growth.
The establishment comes as demand for passenger-rail service continues to grow. During the first nine months of fiscal-year 2026, Amtrak served 1.7 million more passengers than in the same period the prior year, exceeding its year-to-date ridership plan, Amtrak officials said in a press release.
The initial committee members include Chair Robert Gleason, Vice Chair Elaine Clegg, Joel Szabat, Chris Koos and a designated U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary representative.
Committee members are tasked with overseeing growing passenger-rail service and frequencies; advancing corridor development opportunities; expanding state-supported service partnerships; ensuring infrastructure and fleet readiness; strengthening host railroad partnerships; and developing sustainable funding strategies for growth.
"Expanding passenger rail service is essential to meeting growing demand, strengthening mobility and connecting more communities to economic opportunity," said 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."