Amtrak's Subsidy Needs Cannot Be Reduced Without Reducing Service

Amtrak's operating costs have outstripped its revenues, and increasing federal subsidies are required for continued operations. Amtrak planned service reductions because it received less money from Congress than it requested in 1977. Congress provided some additional funding, but Amtrak stated that it was still not adequate and that substantial service curtailments will be needed if additional funding is not approved.