Should be installed by March

Amtrak’s Acela Express trains in the northeast corridor, used by many business travelers between New York-Boston and New York-Washington D.C., are getting an upgrade this year, the rail company said in announcing its plans for 2010. In March, Amtrak said, Wi-Fi technology will be deployed on the Acela Express, and will initially be made available to every passenger at no charge. Later in the year, Amtrak will finish upgrading the interiors of all Acela Express coaches to include leather seats, better tray tables and improved power outlets. Amtrak noted that its share of the total air/rail market in the northeast corridor has been steadily increasing in recent years: From 2004 through mid-2009, it said, Amtrak’s share of the total market between New York and Washington increased from 50 percent to 61 percent, and its market share between New York-Boston went up from 39 percent to 50 percent. Amtrak also said it is expecting an announcement this winter from the Transportation Department about which high-speed rail projects will be getting government stimulus funding; Amtrak is partnering with 25 states on more than 100 projects that are competing for $8 billion in stimulus money.