Train wreck: Deriding the Rails.

• Author: Taylor, Jeff
• Position: Citings - National Railroad Passenger Corp. forced to reorganize, develop liquidation plan - Brief Article - Statistical Data Included

IN NOVEMBER, THE Amtrak Reform Council concluded that the federal passenger rail service is "not capable of delivering the improvements...that are needed."The 6--5 vote came just as many Amtrak routes were packed for the first time in years, as travelers shied away from the delays and perceived risks of air travel. The rail company has required $25 billion in subsidies during its 30 years of service.

Now the council has 90 days to come up with a plan for reorganization; meanwhile, Amtrak itself must develop a liquidation strategy. Congress will then review the two schemes and choose a course of action-which could be to do nothing at all. One possibility would be to shift responsibility for running the trains over to states or to private entities while the feds manage infrastructure.

In the meantime, Bombardier Inc., the builder of Amtrak's...