Amtrak Reform Bill: Bipartisan Passenger Rail Investment, Improvement Act of 2005 Introduced In Senate
Long-Term Authorization Provides Stable Funding, Maintains National System
By Ron Thaniel
August 8, 2005
| Funding Summary |
| 6 Year Funding Totals | Average |
| Amtrak Operating Subsidy | $3.3 billion | $556 million |
| Amtrak Capital Grants | $4.9 billion | $818 million |
| State Grants | $1.4 billion | $340 million |
| Existing Amtrak Debt | $1.7 billion | $287 million |
| Total | $11.4 billion | $1.9 billion |
Senators Trent Lott (MS), chairman of the Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Subcommittee; Ted Stevens (AK), chairman of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee; Daniel K. Inouye (HI), Co-Chairman of both the Committee and Subcommittee; and Frank Lautenberg (NJ) introduced on July 27 the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2005 (S. 1516) and immediately called on Congress to make Amtrak reform and the improvement of passenger rail service a legislative priority this year.
The Amtrak reauthorization bill centers around three themes: reform and accountability, cost cutting, and creating funding options for the states.
Summary of Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act
The Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act (PRIIA) is a six year reauthorization bill (FY 2006-2011) – the same time frame as the Amtrak Board’s strategic plan. The bill authorizes funding for Amtrak’s capital and operating needs to maintain current operations, upgrade equipment, and return the Northeast Corridor (NEC) to a state of good repair. Over the life of the bill, Amtrak’s operating subsidy is reduced by 40% through cost cutting, restructuring, and reform while capital funding is increased. The bill creates an intercity passenger rail capital grant program for the States.
One day after introduction, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation voted 18-4 to report favorably S. 1516.
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