Norman Y. Mineta Amtrak Reform

U.S. Transportation Secretary Mineta Unveils Key Amtrak Reform Details, Says Rail Plan will Help Complete New Midwest Rail Network

An ambitious project to improve and expand passenger rail service throughout the Midwest would have a partner in the federal government for the first time under the Bush Administration’s proposal to reform Amtrak, U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta said during a news conference at the Detroit railroad station.

Mineta was in Detroit today to unveil details of the Administration’s Amtrak reform proposal, the Passenger Rail Investment Reform Act. The visit was part of a nationwide campaign to reaffirm President Bush’s commitment to intercity passenger rail weeks after the Administration unveiled a budget that proposed an end to taxpayer subsidies for Amtrak until “desperately needed” reforms are made.

“We all know that Amtrak and intercity passenger rail will die if it doesn’t get help soon,” Mineta said. “We have a different vision where a vibrant and viable passenger rail network connects Midwesterners to business and educational opportunities throughout the region.”

Mineta said the Administration’s plan to establish 50-50 federal matching grants for state investments in passenger rail infrastructure, like stations, trains and track, are “the key to revitalizing passenger rail travel in America.” These grants would help fund projects like the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative and give states a “powerful incentive” to invest in better tracks and more reliable equipment, making trains more popular and profitable, decreasing the need for states to pay operating subsidies, Mineta added.

The proposal, Mineta said, would “level the playing field” between Amtrak and its competitors by freeing Amtrak of the cost of maintaining tracks and stations, allowing the company to focus on “running the trains on time.” The plan would also introduce competition for rail service by letting states chose operators to run key routes.

Mineta announced that he will submit the Administration’s Amtrak reform proposal when Congress reconvenes in April. “Our plan will breathe new life into passenger rail,” Mineta said.

DOT 52-05 Thursday, March 24, 2005 Contact: Brian Turmail Tel.: (202) 366-4570 SOURCE: U.S. Department of Transportation