New York, NY —

The federal government has allocated $1.3 billion of stimulus money to Amtrak for capital improvements to cut down travel time and increase arrival accuracy. Amtrak spokesman Cliff Cole says ticket prices will stay the same, because the funds will be dedicated to rail system upgrades.

It will help us add and enhance our system, so that certainly is something along our busiest corridor that we're looking forward to get moving with.

Supporters say the improvement projects are long overdue. Critics accuse Amtrak of relying too much on government subsidies.