The Northeast Corridor (NEC) rail network is a crucial regional transportation link, spanning 450 miles and
linking cities from Boston to Washington, D.C. The Corridor’s Commission plans for capital improvements
to ensure this vital infrastructure retains reliable service amid challenges such as climate change.
Their 15-year CONNECT report outlines the impacts of standard maintenance, service improvements, and
other capital projects, communicating to both policy makers and the public the substantial economic benefits that result from investments in the NEC.

Karp Strategies, in partnership with Arup, was initially hired to complete the CONNECT NEC 2037 report, and have been retained to continue their work through CONNECT NEC 2040. Our work involves quantifying the economic benefits of over 300 rail infrastructure projects along the NEC. Using multiregional models through Lightcast, Karp Strategies assesses the direct, indirect, and induced jobs and financial effects across multiple industries and regions. Our analysis also quantifies additional benefits, including housing and job access, and benefits to the supply chain and industries across the country.

The economic benefits identified through Karp Strategies’ analysis allow the Commission to successfully assess the return on its investment projects and communicate the vital importance of the Northeast Corridor in supporting people and the economy across the United States. Karp Strategies’ and Arup’s transparent and accessible data delivery enables the Commission to build upon analysis in future years. Insights from the economic analysis will guide the Commission in prioritizing investments along the NEC, strengthening its commitment to providing reliable, high-performing rail transit services.