An Analysis of Amtrak's Five Year Plan
PAD-78-51: Published: Mar 6, 1978. Publicly Released: Mar 6, 1978.
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Although the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (AMTRAK) was established to be a self-sustaining corporation, the 1977 5-year plan indicated that the Federal Government is now paying for AMTRAK's capital expenses and about 60 percent of its operating expenses. AMTRAK's 5-year plan was reviewed from two perspectives: the insight it provides into decisions that Congress must make in deciding how to fund AMTRAK in coming years; and its adequacy as an information source for congressional decisionmaking.
In some respects, the 1977 plan is an improvement over past plans. However, the plan should have certain basic characteristics: it should compare actual experience with previous forecasts and should describe changes from the previous year, basic parts of the plan should be integrated with each other, and the plan should discuss alternatives or options if requested funding is not provided or if projections are wrong. AMTRAK's current plan cannot be reconciled to prior plans; the revenues, expenses, and capital sections of the plan are not integrated; and the plan does not discuss options available if funding is not provided or projections are wrong. Alternative uses of the 5-year plan involve determining the amount of the Federal subsidy and evaluating AMTRAK performance.
Oct 3, 2018
Positive Train Control:
Most Passenger Railroads Expect to Request an Extension and Substantial Work Remains Beyond 2018GAO-19-135T: Published: Oct 3, 2018. Publicly Released: Oct 3, 2018.
Sep 13, 2018
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Positive Train Control:
Most Railroads Expect to Request an Extension, and Substantial Work Remains Beyond 2018GAO-18-692T: Published: Sep 13, 2018. Publicly Released: Sep 13, 2018.
Sep 5, 2018
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Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway:
Assessing Risks and Measuring Performance Could Improve Maritime TransportationGAO-18-610: Published: Sep 5, 2018. Publicly Released: Sep 5, 2018.
Jul 30, 2018
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Public Transit Partnerships:
Additional Information Needed to Clarify Data Reporting and Share Best PracticesGAO-18-539: Published: Jul 30, 2018. Publicly Released: Jul 30, 2018.
Jul 26, 2018
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Aviation Security:
Basic Training Program for Transportation Security Officers Would Benefit from Performance Goals and MeasuresGAO-18-552: Published: Jul 26, 2018. Publicly Released: Jul 26, 2018.
Jul 19, 2018
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Highway and Transit Projects:
Better Data Needed to Assess Changes in the Duration of Environmental ReviewsGAO-18-536: Published: Jul 19, 2018. Publicly Released: Jul 19, 2018.
Jul 12, 2018
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Aviation Security:
Actions Needed to Better Identify and Track U.S.-Bound Public Charter Operations from CubaGAO-18-526: Published: Jul 12, 2018. Publicly Released: Jul 12, 2018.
May 31, 2018
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Capital Investment Grants Program:
FTA Should Address Several Statutory ProvisionsGAO-18-462: Published: May 31, 2018. Publicly Released: May 31, 2018.
May 29, 2018
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Interstate Pipeline Inspections:
Additional Planning Could Help DOT Determine Appropriate Level of State ParticipationGAO-18-461: Published: May 29, 2018. Publicly Released: May 29, 2018.
May 24, 2018
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Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems:
FAA Should Improve Its Management of Safety RisksGAO-18-110: Published: May 24, 2018. Publicly Released: May 24, 2018.
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