Originally Posted by DCA writer

I'm inclined to blame Amtrak when mechanical issues with a train cause a delay. But when it's the Northeast Corridor's 1930-vintage catenary and track showing its age, I a) have to credit the Pennsylvania Railroad for building infrastructure that's lasted as long as it has, and b) blame Congress for acting as if it will last forever.

The NEC is now throwing off enough of a profit for Amtrak to be able to start rebuilding this route on its own--see, for instance, the segment north of Trenton being upgraded for 160 mph service--but that's going to take a while.