RTUS Announces Restructuring and Capital Endorsement Plan for Amtrak

The Association of Rail Travel in the
US (RTUS) announced today a new Restructuring and Capital Endorsement Plan
for Intercity Rail Passenger Service in the United States. The plan is
available online at: http://www.ustraintravel.com/future

The highlights of this plan include:

Endorsing Bill S.1991, introduced by Senator Hollings (D-SC) that
authorizes:

* $1.3 billion in funding for Amtrak capital needs in the heavily
traveled Northeast.

* $580 Million in funding for the Long-Distance Network to keep current
services and expand in the near future.

* $35 billion in loan guarantees and restructure federal financing programs
to attract development of high-speed rail corridors outside the Northeast.

* The resumption of the Pioneer from Chicago to Portland, Desert Wind from
Chicago to Los Vegas and Los Angeles, a new Chicago – Florida service, a new
Denver – Texas service, additional mid-distance trains, and increased
efficiencies resulting from all train services going daily.

* A funding plan that does not leave Amtrak gasping for air. In the last
year alone, airlines received more subsidies than Amtrak has in its entire
30 year history.

"The events of September 11th showed the United States that we need to have
a balanced transportation network, and cannot rely on cars and planes
alone," said President Harris M. Cohen. "Intercity Passenger Rail is an
essential part of that network, and should compliment plans for high-speed
rail between shorter distances. Our country cannot afford to end
cross-country and Intercity rail service, and we should be looking to expand
our current network rather than contract."

–END–

About Rail Travel in the US
Founded in 2001, The Association of Rail Travel in the US (RTUS) is a
not-for-profit organization based in Chicago, IL. Its goals include the
promotion of rail travel in the United States with a dedicated force of
funding for Amtrak, the national rail passenger system, helping other rail
organizations develop an online presence, and working to ensure the future
of rail travel in the United States. For more information, visit
http://www.ustraintravel.com.

For more information, Contact:
Harris M. Cohen, President
Phone: (847) 769-1099
E-mail: [email protected]
http://www.ustraintravel.com