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.

A hearing held to look at the current financial situation of Amtrak and to determine the best way to handle Amtrak's fiscal and financial situation, including the best way to address capital needs. Witnesses include: Thomas M. Downs, Pres. and CEO, Amtrak; Donald M. Itzkoff, Deputy Administrator, Federal Railroad Admin., U.S. Dept. of Transportation; Phyllis F. Scheinberg, Assoc. Dir., Transportation Issues, Resources, Community, and Economic Development, General Accounting Office; Karen Borlaug Phillips, Assoc. of American Railroads; and Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison, John McCain, Ron Wyden, Daniel K. Inouye, and John F. Kerry.