National rail operator Amtrak is getting more than $1 billion in federal relief to keep the railroad system running.
Transportation secretary Elaine Chao announced the billion-dollar bailout.
The $1.02 billion is Amtrak’s cut of the $2 trillion Cares Act, and come as cancellations surge due to inter-state travel restrictions across the country.
"This $1 billion in federal emergency assistance to Amtrak will help maintain service for its passengers when the economy recovers," Chao said.
The money will help offset declining revenues and pay for essential employees to continue railroad maintenance, and track work.
"This essential funding will help keep our people working during this unprecedented reduction in travel demand," said Amtrak SVP Stephen Gardner.
"We will come out of this crisis ready to continue growing ridership and improving our performance."
Amtrak said it is encouraging all train passengers to wear CDC-recommended face coverings.
It has already been reducing the number of riders by up to 50% to meet social distancing recommendations.
