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Let's All Support Amtrak

Just at the time that Amtrak ridership is increasing, parallel to the decreasing ridership in air travel, the questionably named "Amtrak Reform Council" seeks to destroy Amtrak.

There is evidence that it is not just the popular routes in the Northeast, but also the long distance routes, that are becoming increasingly popular. Yet, this group of anti-Amtrak councilors are continuing to push for the privatization of the popular routes and the destruction of the lesser-traveled ones. The following article is a brief, yet informative, article about the Reform Council's actions. Following that article is a message from Friends of Amtrak, with information about how those of us who support Amtrak can lend support.

PRIVATIZE AMTRAK SAYS THE ARC:
The Amtrak Reform Council has struck once again. After releasing a report that automatically required Amtrak to create a plan for its own dissolution in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks, the ARC has now prepared yet another report that would force Amtrak to relinquish ownership of tracks and stations, bridges and tunnels. In addition the council wants to take much or all of Amtrak's authority and divide it among states or private companies.

Under the plan Amtrak and the National Rail Passenger Corporation would be split and the corporation would oversee a transition of train operations to the private sector.

Fortunately the ARC's findings, often seen by Amtrak advocates as politically motivated, carry no authority. And Congress has quickly moved to void the mandate for Amtrak to create a report for its dissolution. However, the ARC reports cast Amtrak in a poor light with respect to the press who, in a time of 10 second sound bites and diminished investigative reporting, generously quote from ARC findings as a matter of factual evidence.

In response, a NARP spokesman reportedly said that the recommendations to separate Amtrak from its non-rail assets "bear a disturbing similarity to the early steps in the process that led to Britain's current railway crisis."

Source: AP

FRIENDS OF AMTRAK UPDATE
January 23, 2002

Dear Friends of Amtrak:

The Amtrak Reform Council is recommending that Congress privatize Amtrak and critics decry public funding for passenger rail transportation while Enron paid no federal income tax in four of the past five years (source: NY Times) and the private airline industry is receiving billions in taxpayer subsidies.

As Congress returns to Capitol Hill this week let them know that there is something wrong with this picture. Tell them that you:

1. Oppose liquidation and privatization of Amtrak

2. Urge approval of the High Speed Rail Investment Act

3. Support a balanced national transportation program and adequate funding for a first class passenger rail service.

WHEN CALLING, ASK FOR THE OFFICES OF YOUR SENATORS AND HOUSE REPRESENTATIVE.