 Passengers became "guests" and there were expansions into express freight work, but the financial plans failed.Amtrak's inroads in express freight delivery created additional friction with competing freight operators, including the trucking industry.Delivery was delayed of much anticipated high-speed trainsets for the improved "Acela Express" service, which promised to be a strong source of income and favorable publicity along the Northeast Corridor between Boston and Washington, D.C.

Ridership increased during the first decade of the 21st century after implementation of capital improvements in the NEC and rises in automobile fuel costs.