Amtrak and the Future of Rail in America

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In the 19th century, it was the big new thing. Now, although everybody loves to talk about the romance of rail travel, passenger trains today run a distant third to plane and car travel in the US. Amtrak continues to lose millions of dollars each year despite subsidies like the recent $ 100 million bailout that Congress awarded the national rail service to carry it through September 30. But then what? Can David Gunn, the agency's new president turn the system around? Does train travel have a future in a nation of fliers and drivers? We speak with a member of a government reform commission, a financial expert, and leaders of three consumer organizations that are working to increase passenger rail use. Sara Terry guest hosts.
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CIA

FBI

Office of Homeland Security

Washington Post

Amtrak

Amtrak Reform Council

Barron's

Environmental Law and Policy Center

National Association of Railroad Passengers

National Corridors Initiative

Credits

Host:

Warren Olney