Representatives Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) have called on Amtrak to enhance Acela and Northeast Regional train service at Trenton Transit Center and Metropark stations. In a letter addressed to Amtrak President Roger Harris, the lawmakers emphasized the importance of these stations as major connection points for North, Central, and South New Jersey, Southeast Pennsylvania, and Staten Island.
The letter notes that since a schedule update in September 2023, Trenton has not had any Acela service—making it the only state capital along the Acela line without such a stop—and Metropark has experienced fewer daily stops from both Acela and Northeast Regional trains.
With events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final and the United States Semiquincentennial expected to bring millions of visitors to the region this year, the representatives anticipate a significant increase in ridership between Philadelphia and New York City.
“Our constituents rely on Amtrak services for regular commutes and other travel,” wrote Kean, Malliotakis, and Fitzpatrick. “As the rollout of the Next-Gen Acela trainsets continues and as these high-profile events approach, we request that you ensure Trenton and Metropark are adequately served in the face of this anticipated ridership growth, including by Acela trainsets.”
The full letter highlights how both stations serve dense populations as well as economic hubs. It also points out that Metropark offers direct access to major highways like the Garden State Parkway and New Jersey Turnpike.
The lawmakers acknowledged past efforts by Amtrak to improve reliability after service disruptions in 2024 but stressed that such changes should not reduce access for these key locations. They argue that decreased service distances government offices, residents, and tourists from vital transit links.
“As Members of Congress representing communities served by the Northeast Corridor, we write in support of robust Acela and Northeast Regional train service to key points in the New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania region… Decreased service to Trenton and Metropark risks distancing the government, residential, and tourism hubs they serve from access to the Northeast Corridor,” reads part of their letter.
Kean is currently serving his first term representing New Jersey’s 7th congressional district after replacing Tom Malinowski in 2023. He previously held seats in both chambers of New Jersey’s legislature between 2001 and 2022. Born in Livingston in 1968, Kean resides in Westfield. He holds a BA from Dartmouth College.
The lawmakers concluded their message by urging Amtrak’s leadership to guarantee regular service for Trenton and Metropark during what could be a record year for tourism throughout New Jersey.
