House passes Amtrak reform bill

OREANDA-NEWS. The US House of Representatives today approved bipartisan legislation that authorizes \$7.2bn over the next four years for Amtrak and requires the carrier to keep profits earned in its northeast corridor in that region.

The Passenger Rail Reform and Investment Act (HR 749) approved in a 316-101 vote will go to the Senate and if approved there, to President Barack Obama, who supports it. The bill is similar to legislation passed in previous sessions but includes provisions supported by both parties. Transportation represents a possible common ground with Democrats in Congress and Obama.

In floor discussion today House members touted the legislation as a chance for Congress to do something the American people will appreciate during a time of political and legislative gridlock.

Co-sponsor Bill Shuster (R-Pennsylvania) said "neither side got everything they want, but it is a good solid reform bill." Another co-sponsor, democrat Peter DeFazio (Oregon) called it "an okay bill." Members of Congress have their differences, "but there is consent that this is important to the country," he said.

The White House yesterday said it supports the legislation because "it aligns with the administration's goals of driving improved performance at Amtrak through accountability and encouraging states' participation in planning and funding improvements to passenger rail corridors." But it does not have adequate rail safety provisions and funding for high-performance rail lines, the White House said.

The bill aims to eliminate Amtrak's losses in food and beverage service and mandates that the carrier carry out a business analysis for all major procurements.

It would require Amtrak to have an independent entity evaluate its money-losing long-distance routes and find ways to cut costs and improve service. It would also address what the lawmakers called Amtrak's "black-box" accounting system that hampers states that help fund Amtrak service from understanding how their money is being used.

The lawmakers also said the Federal Railroad Administration has been slow in approving loans for railroad-related improvements through the Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing program. The bill would add approval deadlines and other reforms to unlock the up to \$35bn in funding authorized by the program.