Amtrak's Economic Impact on the Intercity Bus Industry

The combined share of the intercity transportation market for buses and trains has been declining in recent years. In spite of the large Federal subsidies provided to Amtrak, the increased use of planes and cars have proven too competititive, resulting in lower profits and decreased service for bus companies and Amtrak. GAO's study of the fare structure of Amtrak as compared with the intercity bus system was difficult due to the differences in geographic areas, services provided, and rate structures, such as in the Northeast Corridor.