Schumer: Increase rail, transit funding amidst maintenance issues

New York Senator Charles Schumer wants to make investing in our rail systems a priority.

During a press conference at Penn Station, Schumer blamed the widespread maintenance issues plaguing the northeast corridor on a lack of funding.

Schumer has called for a major increase in rail and transit maintenance funding to address the issue.

Schumer also tweeted that, “recent derailments caused delays and frustrated riders, but others could be tragic; improving @amtrak @LIRR @NJTransit @MTA must be a priority.”

The call comes after a train derailment at Penn Station- the second in less than two weeks, which threw rail services into chaos throughout the northeastern U.S. area.

Amtrak CEO Wick Moorman said he will put together a team of experts to look at overall maintenance and efficiency issues.