Further Improvements Are Needed in Amtrak's Passenger Service Contracts, But They Won't Come Easily

Pursuant to Federal law, the annual performance audit of the National Rairoad Passenger Corp. (Amtrak) was conducted. Amtrak's policies for developing contracts with other railroads for services which Amtrak needs to operate passenger trains were examined.

Amtrak has now taken over direct operation of many of its functions, but it still must obtain many services from other railroads. The railroads provide train and engine crews for all Amtrak trains, provide and maintain tracks, do routine inspection and servicing of equipment, and provide other services and facilities. Amtrak has not been able to obtain railroad consent on revisions of existing agreements in order to better encourage on-time performance, including arrivals at intermediate points. Many railroads believe that they are held accountable for delays that are beyond their control, and do not want to accept additional risks unless they are well compensated. In addition to its contract revision efforts, Amtrak has sought relief in a few instances by going to court and to the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) to settle disputes with the railroads.

Recommendations

Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.

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