For Immediate Release                             July 10, 2000

The Amtrak Reform Council (the Council), will hold a two-day, two-city program on intercity rail passenger service on Monday, July 17^th and Tuesday, July 18^th.

On Monday, July 17^th, the Council will hold a public business meeting in Room 2230 of the Department of Transportation Headquarters (Nassif Building) at 400 Seventh Street, Washington, D.C. The meeting will begin at 9:00 a.m. and should adjourn by 5:00 p.m.  The focus of the meeting will be hearing from Amtrak regarding its marketing strategy and its relation to the Corporation’s strategic business plan as well as its new service guarantee. (During the question/answer period following Amtrak’s presentation, some of the discussion may be closed to the public if issues involving proprietary information are raised.) In addition, the Council will receive presentations on developments in financing rail passenger equipment and from the Council staff on its progress in implementing the Council’s work plan for FY2000.

On Tuesday, July 18^th, the Council will hold an Outreach Hearing in Burlington, VT from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Best Western Windjammer, 1076 Williston Road, Burlington, VT 05403. At the Outreach Hearing, the New England states will present their views on current and planned intercity rail passenger services in New England outside of services on the Northeast Corridor.  The Council will be hearing from State transportation officials, rail corridor officials, and Amtrak executives.

“The Council is looking forward to hearing all of the presentations during this two day meeting on a variety of subjects involving rail passenger service,” said Gilbert E. Carmichael, Chairman. “The presentation from Amtrak on its marketing strategy holds special appeal in light of recent announcements concerning Amtrak’s service guarantee and expanded services and routes.”

The Amtrak Reform Council is an independent Federal oversight commission established under the provisions of the Amtrak Reform and Accountability Act of 1997 (P.L.105-134) to recommend improvements in Amtrak’s operations and to monitor its financial performance.

An agenda for both days will be available after Tuesday, July 11^th on our website at www.amtrakreformcouncil.gov or by contacting the ARC office at (202) 366-0591.