WASHINGTON – The long-distance trains that serve as the backbone of America ’s national intercity passenger rail network are attracting more passengers as Amtrak continues to implement its comprehensive and multi-year Route Performance Improvement (RPI) program. Read the full story

Amtrak, the U.S. long-distance passenger railroad, said it needs $11 billion in new rail equipment during the next 14 years and is examining ways to fund the purchases. Read the full story

EVERETT, Wash. — Anyone who’s thinking of taking the train to Vancouver, B.C., for the 2010 Winter Olympics might want to make a reservation now.

The two Amtrak Cascades trains that make a daily trip into Vancouver are already about 50 percent booked for the Olympics, which begin Feb. 12. Usually, trains don’t start filling up until two weeks in advance, said Vickie Sheehan, a spokeswoman for the state Rail and Marine Office. Read the full story

Amtrak’s Acela Express trains, which run from Washington to Boston, will soon be getting wireless Internet access.

Amtrak said that its installation of wireless Internet access on the high-speed trains would be complete in March and initially free to passengers. Amtrak made the announcement as part of a 2010 preview of its activities. Read the full story

DENVER (AP) — A company that wanted to keep train service going between Denver and the Winter Park ski area said it is giving up for now.

Iowa Pacific Holdings LLC on Monday said it won’t be able to operate the ski train this season after failing to resolve differences with Amtrak. The company was negotiating to use Amtrak crews. Read the full story

BOSTON—Amtrak had record-breaking ridership on Thanksgiving week, including strong showings on some New England routes.

Amtrak announced Tuesday that it had 685,876 passengers over the holiday travel week, beating the old record of 666,716 set in 2007. Read the full story