Summary Box: Amtrak eyes upgrades to long-distance routes

Summary Box: Amtrak eyes upgrades to routes

AMTRAK UNDER REVIEW: Amtrak is re-examining timetables and finding other ways to improve its 15 national routes to bring in more riders and revenue.

FIRST UP: Routes under review this year include the Cardinal (Chicago to New York City), the Capitol Limited (Chicago to Washington D.C.), the Texas Eagle (Chicago to San Antonio), the California Zephyr (Chicago to Emeryville, Calif.) and the Sunset Limited (Los Angeles to New Orleans).

GOOD TIMES: Amtrak is on pace in 2010 to top its record ridership of 28.7 million passengers set in 2008. The agency cites an improving economy and high fuel prices as factors.