Hi Uncle Bill,
I don't know for certain why AutoTrain can't be extended further north, but I believe that the automobile carriers (and possibly the Superliner consist) may be too tall to operate under the catenary on the NEC. I live less than 20 minutes from the former Chrysler plant in Newark, so I'd welcome the move north. I believe that the University of Delaware has purchased the plant and grounds, so that facility is gone for good.
Stay Well!
PF16
use auto train for last 10 years. love it. from n.j. Reason they dont move it up this way ,is it cost a fortune to buy property for infra structure and track right of way..also the tunnels will not accomadate the oversized cars. had family member high up in amtrack. would love to see it though. 3hrs to dc stinks.