PennDOT asks about adding 2nd Harrisburg-Pittsburgh train

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has asked Amtrak about adding a second daily round-trip train between Harrisburg and Pittsburgh.

PennDOT project manager Jennie Granger tells the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review that Amtrak is looking into what it would take to make an additional round-trip each day for the Amtrak Pennsylvanian.

The Pennsylvanian is one of 29 short-distance Amtrak lines receiving state funding when passenger revenue doesn’t cover the costs. The line almost disappeared in 2012 when federal regulations began requiring state subsidies on short distance trips. PennDOT paid Amtrak $14.5 million in the 2014-15 fiscal year for the Pennsylvanian and service from Harrisburg to Philadelphia.

Amtrak spokesman Craig Schulz says it’s a popular route and the company is willing to look into providing more service to Pittsburgh.