Amtrak: Issues for Reauthorization (Testimony, 03/13/95,
GAO/T-RCED-95-132).

Amtrak is at a crossroads.  As Congress considers Amtrak's
reauthorization, it has an opportunity to improve the balance between
Amtrak's funding and its mission.  High-speed rail service in the
Northeast Corridor could provide significant revenue increases, but will
require substantial capital from the federal government.  Legislation
could give Amtrak more cost-cutting flexibility, but labor protection
and tort laws apply to Amtrak as well as other railroads.  Changing
these laws as they apply to Amtrak needs to be considered within this
larger context.  Although Amtrak's efforts to boost revenues and cut
costs could reduce the need for federal help, continued support will be
necessary if Amtrak is to continue to run an extensive national network
of intercity passenger trains.  If Congress decides to downsize Amtrak,
a detailed, route-by-route analysis of the impacts of service
terminations on other transportation modes, fuel consumption, and the
environment would be helpful in making termination decisions.

--------------------------- Indexing Terms -----------------------------

 REPORTNUM:  T-RCED-95-132
     TITLE:  Amtrak: Issues for Reauthorization
      DATE:  03/13/95
   SUBJECT:  Labor legislation
             Freight transportation operations
             Indemnity
             Freight damage claims
             Railroad transportation operations
             Railroad industry
             Mass transit operations
             Financial management
             Liability (legal)
             Federal aid to railroads
IDENTIFIER:  Amtrak Northeast Corridor
             Amtrak Northeast Corridor Improvement Project
             Chase (MD)
             
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