WASHINGTON — In the latest step for better service for Northeast Corridor passengers, Amtrak officials said in late July that they'll spend $370 million on new maintenance-of-way equipment over an estimated three-year period. This capital expenditure will accelerate maintenance work, doubling Amtrak engineering work on the Boston to Washington line upon full implementation of the order.

The list of Corridor acquisitions include; a track laying system, two undercutters, five high-speed surfacing machines, reference surfacing and heavy lift cranes for New York’s Penn Station. Additional freight cars and locomotives are also a part to maintain the Northeast Corridor to a state of good repair. An Amtrak representative says the railroad has yet to establish a timeline for the bidding process or an expected in-service date for the equipment.

“More than 890,000 Amtrak customers and commuter passengers rely on the Northeast Corridor for transportation every weekday, and we are working to make their ride smoother and more reliable,” says Amtrak Chief Operating Officer Scot Naparstek.