Amtraks Financial Situation

Since it began operations in 1971, the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) has never been profitable, & it remains heavily dependent on substantial federal operating & capital subsidies. This report examines: (1) financial performance of Amtrak's current routes, (2) implications for Amtrak of multiyear capital requirements & declining federal operating subsidies, & (3) the effect on Amtrak of reforms contained in the Amtrak Reform & Accountability Act of 1997. It relies on Amtrak's financial data & performance measures to assess the performance of Amtrak's 40 routes. Charts & tables.