NEC Boston-New Haven

how long has Amtrak owned the track between Boston and New Haven on the NEC? since they were created?

Conrail sold the NEC Boston-Wash, less New Haven to Shell, one nanosecond after they acquired it from the Penn Central Estate on April 1, 1976 (C-Day). Therefore it was almost five years after A-Day, Amtrak acquired the Corridor.

A day and C day? what is that?

Actually, Gil, I think a bit of time elapsed between the transfer from PC to Conrail on "C-day" (Conveyance Day) and turnover to Amtrak. IIRC, the Amtrak transfer actually occurred sometime in 1977.

Also, the State of Massachusetts had previously purchased the railroad from BOS to the Rhode Island border. Amtrak, however, maintains and dispatches this track.

Of course, the segment from New Haven to New Rochelle Jct. (CP 216) was purchased by the states of NY and CT in 1970 (IIRC). This track is maintained and dispatched by Metro-North.

A day and C day? what is that?

A-day: Amtrak's first day of revenue operations, May 01, 1971.

C-day: Conrail's first day of revenue operations, April 01, 1976, almost 5 years (4 years, 11 months) after Amtrak's birth.