It's Settled, $900 Million for Amtrak

[Amfleet]

House Bill Would Give Amtrak $900M
WASHINGTON - Rejecting efforts to further cut federal subsidies for Amtrak, the House settled Thursday on giving the money-losing railway $900 million next year. It is the amount President Bush proposed but only half what Amtrak says it needs to retain existing services.

The question of Amtrak's future dominated debate on a $89.3 billion bill to fund Transportation and Treasury programs in the budget year starting Oct. 1. Several supporters of the national rail system also tried, without success, to substantially increase Amtrak's funds.

A final vote on the legislation might not come until next week.

Full article can be found here.

This is certainly unfortunate. If Amtrak only recieves $900 million, is there any other way for the railroad to rack up another $900 million?

 

[jccollins]

"A final vote on the legislation might not come until next week."

It's not settled! Miracles can and do happen... lets just hope that they wake up and realize what they're doing. No, unfortunately Amtrak cannot rack up another $900 million without the action of legislation.

Amtrak ain't going down this easy! And it ain't over until the Fat Lady Sings. :huh: :blink:

 

[tp49]

They might get up to $1 billion but this is probably the best they are going to get unless there is some kind of 11th hour deal or a major threat is made to hold up the appropriations bill if they don't increase the funding level.

 

[piedpiper13]

:unsure: If these numbers hold out and Amtrak starts shutting down. What do we do with bought and paid for tickets for next year???

 

[battalion51]

I wouldn't worry about that quite yet. Somehow some way they always squeak it out for Amtrak. But if for some reason Amtrak does shut down you would take your claim to the bankruptcy court just like everyone else.