HR 749 RFS 
‘‘(B) cover a period of 5 fiscal years, be-
ginning with the first fiscal year after the date 
of the plan; 
‘‘(C) notwithstanding section 24902(b), 
prioritize projects and investments along the 
Northeast Corridor based on— 
‘‘(i) the anticipated benefits and costs 
of projects; 
‘‘(ii) the anticipated Federal and non- 
Federal funding available; and 
‘‘(iii) the information contained in the 
Northeast Corridor asset management 
plans required under subsection (b), once 
available; 
‘‘(D) ensure coordination and optimization 
across the entire Northeast Corridor and among 
the various owners and users; 
‘‘(E) include a financial plan for the in-
vestment period that— 
‘‘(i) categorizes each capital project as 
being primarily associated with— 
‘‘(I) normalized capital replace-
ment; 
‘‘(II) replacement, rehabilitation, 
or repair of Northeast Corridor infra-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
23:33 Mar 09, 2015
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00017
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H749.RFS
H749
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS
HR 749 RFS 
structure assets, including tunnels, 
bridges, stations, and other assets; or 
‘‘(III) improvement of train per-
formance on the Northeast Corridor, 
including reduced trip times, in-
creased train frequencies, higher oper-
ating speeds, and other improvements; 
‘‘(ii) identifies the anticipated funding 
source and financing method for each cap-
ital project described in subclauses (II) 
and (III) of clause (i); 
‘‘(iii) describes the anticipated out-
comes of each project, including— 
‘‘(I) an assessment of the poten-
tial effect on passenger accessibility, 
operations, safety, reliability, and re-
siliency, and on the ability of infra-
structure owners and operators to 
meet regulatory requirements should 
the project not be funded; and 
‘‘(II) an assessment of the bene-
fits and costs; 
‘‘(iv) identifies the extent to which the 
capital assets are or will be jointly used by 
intercity passenger rail service and other 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
23:33 Mar 09, 2015
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00018
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H749.RFS
H749
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS
HR 749 RFS 
users, and the proportionate share of that 
joint usage; and 
‘‘(v) for projects that are expected to 
be fully or partially funded through Fed-
eral financial assistance, identifies the 
most appropriate public agency or entity to 
receive those funds and implement each 
capital project. 
‘‘(3) ADDITIONAL CONTENTS.—Any plan devel-
oped under paragraph (1) after the publication by 
the Secretary of Transportation of the Northeast 
Corridor service development plan shall also— 
‘‘(A) be developed to identify, prioritize, 
and phase the implementation of projects nec-
essary to achieve the goals and findings con-
tained in such Northeast Corridor service devel-
opment plan; 
‘‘(B) 
allow 
for 
flexibility 
to 
change 
prioritization and programs based upon the 
availability of Federal and non-Federal funding; 
‘‘(C) inform the Secretary in developing 
recommendations for Congress on Federal fund-
ing needs for the Northeast Corridor and any 
corresponding Federal investments in the re-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
23:33 Mar 09, 2015
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00019
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H749.RFS
H749
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS
HR 749 RFS 
spective capital programs for Northeast Cor-
ridor infrastructure owners and users; and 
‘‘(D) capture the network-level anticipated 
outcomes associated with plan implementation, 
including the anticipated effect on passenger 
accessibility, operations, safety, reliability, and 
resiliency. 
‘‘(b) NORTHEAST CORRIDOR ASSET MANAGEMENT 
PLANS.— 
‘‘(1) CONTENTS.—Amtrak, and States and pub-
lic transportation entities that own infrastructure 
that supports or provides for intercity rail passenger 
transportation on the Northeast Corridor, shall de-
velop and update as necessary Northeast Corridor 
asset management plans for the Northeast Corridor 
main line between Boston, Massachusetts, and the 
District of Columbia, and the Northeast Corridor 
branch lines connecting to Harrisburg, Pennsyl-
vania, Springfield, Massachusetts, and Spuyten 
Duyvil, New York, and facilities and services used to 
operate and maintain those lines, that— 
‘‘(A) are consistent with the Federal Tran-
sit Administration process, as authorized under 
section 5326, when implemented; and 
‘‘(B) include, at a minimum— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
23:33 Mar 09, 2015
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00020
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H749.RFS
H749
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS
HR 749 RFS 
‘‘(i) an inventory of all capital assets 
owned by the developer of the plan; 
‘‘(ii) an assessment of the condition of 
each of those assets; 
‘‘(iii) a description of how the condi-
tion of each asset has changed since the 
previous iteration of the plan; and 
‘‘(iv) a description of the necessary re-
sources and processes for bringing or 
maintaining those assets in a state-of-good 
repair, including decision support tools and 
investment prioritization methodologies. 
‘‘(2) TRANSMITTAL TO COMMISSION.—Not later 
than 12 months after the date of enactment of the 
Passenger Rail Reform and Investment Act of 2015, 
each entity described in paragraph (1) shall transmit 
to the Commission a plan developed under para-
graph (1). Any updates to such plan shall also be 
transmitted to the Commission. 
‘‘(c) NORTHEAST CORRIDOR SERVICE DEVELOP-
MENT PLAN UPDATES.—The Commission shall, at least 
once every 10 years, update the Northeast Corridor service 
development plan.’’. 
(2) TABLE
OF
SECTIONS
AMENDMENT.—The 
table of sections for chapter 249 of title 49, United 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
23:33 Mar 09, 2015
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00021
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H749.RFS
H749
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS
HR 749 RFS 
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
following new item: 
‘‘24911. Northeast Corridor planning.’’. 
(c) REPEALS.—The following provisions are repealed: 
(1) Sections 206 and 211 of the Passenger Rail 
Investment and Improvement Act of 2008, and the 
items relating thereto in the table of contents of 
such Act. 
(2) Section 24104 of title 49, United States 
Code, and the item relating thereto in the table of 
sections for chapter 241 of such title. 
SEC. 202. FIVE-YEAR CAPITAL AND OPERATING PLAN. 
(a) AMENDMENT.—Chapter 243 of title 49, United 
States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the 
following new section: 
‘‘§ 24320. Five-year capital and operating plan 
‘‘(a) PLAN.—Not later than 60 days after the date 
of enactment of an Act appropriating funds pursuant to 
section 101 of the Passenger Rail Reform and Investment 
Act of 2015, or any subsequent authorization of appro-
priations for the same purposes, the Amtrak Board of Di-
rectors shall prepare and transmit to the Committee on 
Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on 
Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the 
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 
and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate a 5- 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
23:33 Mar 09, 2015
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00022
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H749.RFS
H749
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS
HR 749 RFS 
year capital and operating plan for the Northeast Corridor 
and National Network. 
‘‘(b) CONSULTATION.—Each such plan shall be pre-
pared in consultation with— 
‘‘(1) the Federal Railroad Administration; 
‘‘(2) the Northeast Corridor Infrastructure and 
Operations Advisory Commission, with respect to the 
Northeast Corridor; and 
‘‘(3) the requisite States, with respect to the 
National Network. 
‘‘(c) CONTENTS.—A plan prepared under this section 
shall— 
‘‘(1) for each of the Northeast Corridor and the 
National Network, include— 
‘‘(A) projected revenues and expenditures 
for the Northeast Corridor, State-supported 
routes, long-distance routes, and corporate de-
velopment, including Federal and non-Federal 
funding sources; 
‘‘(B) projected ridership levels for the 
Northeast Corridor, State-supported routes, 
and long-distance routes; 
‘‘(C) projected capital and operational 
funding requirements necessary to maintain 
passenger service in order to accommodate pre-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
23:33 Mar 09, 2015
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00023
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H749.RFS
H749
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS
HR 749 RFS 
dicted ridership levels and predicted sources of 
Federal and non-Federal funding; 
‘‘(D) projected capital and operating re-
quirements, ridership, revenue, and expendi-
tures for new passenger service operations or 
service expansions; 
‘‘(E) an assessment of the continuing fi-
nancial stability of Amtrak, as indicated by fac-
tors including anticipated Federal funding of 
capital and operating costs, Amtrak’s ability to 
efficiently recruit, retain, and manage its work-
force, and Amtrak’s ability to effectively provide 
passenger rail service; 
‘‘(F) estimates of long-term and short-term 
debt and associated principal and interest pay-
ments (both current and anticipated); 
‘‘(G) annual cash flow forecasts; 
‘‘(H) a statement describing methods of 
estimation and significant assumptions; 
‘‘(I) specific measures that demonstrate 
measurable improvement year over year in the 
financial results of Amtrak’s operations; 
‘‘(J) prior fiscal year and projected— 
‘‘(i) operating ratio, cash operating 
loss, and cash operating loss per passenger 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
23:33 Mar 09, 2015
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00024
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H749.RFS
H749
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS
HR 749 RFS 
on a route, business line, and corporate 
basis; 
‘‘(ii) specific costs and savings esti-
mates resulting from reform initiatives; 
‘‘(iii) productivity statistics on a 
route, business line, and corporate basis; 
and 
‘‘(iv) equipment reliability statistics; 
‘‘(K) capital and operating expenditures 
for anticipated security needs; and 
‘‘(L) a prioritization of capital expendi-
tures by business line; and 
‘‘(2) reflect the Northeast Corridor planning, as 
applicable, and grant processes established under 
sections 24911 and 24318. 
‘‘(d) CONFORMANCE TO AUTHORIZED FUNDING LEV-
ELS.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in para-
graph (2), any financial projection for a fiscal year 
that is included in a plan prepared under this sec-
tion shall be based on the amount of dedicated fund-
ing for such fiscal year. 
‘‘(2) ABSENCE OF APPROPRIATION.—In the ab-
sence of an appropriation of funds for such fiscal 
year, the projection shall be based on the amount of 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
23:33 Mar 09, 2015
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00025
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H749.RFS
H749
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS
HR 749 RFS 
funds authorized by law to be appropriated for that 
fiscal year, plus other dedicated funding. 
‘‘(3) DEDICATED FUNDING DEFINED.—In this 
subsection, the term ‘dedicated funding’ means any 
amounts appropriated for a fiscal year and any 
other funding sources, including revenues and other 
ancillary funding streams, for the Northeast Cor-
ridor or the National Network. 
‘‘(e) STANDARDS TO PROMOTE FINANCIAL STA-
BILITY.—In preparing a plan under this section, the 
Board shall apply sound budgetary practices, including re-
ducing costs and other expenditures, improving produc-
tivity, increasing revenues, or combinations of such prac-
tices. 
‘‘(f) UPDATES.—Amtrak shall provide monthly re-
ports for the current fiscal year in electronic format to 
the Secretary and the Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure and the Committee on Appropriations of 
the House of Representatives and the Committee on Com-
merce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee on 
Appropriations of the Senate regarding the items de-
scribed in subsection (c)(1), which shall include a descrip-
tion of the work completed to date, any differences from 
projections, and the reasons for such differences.’’. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
23:33 Mar 09, 2015
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00026
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H749.RFS
H749
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS
HR 749 RFS 
(b) TABLE OF SECTIONS AMENDMENT.—The table of 
sections for such chapter 243 is amended by adding at 
the end the following new item: 
‘‘24320. Five-year capital and operating plan.’’. 
(c) REPEAL.—Section 204 of the Passenger Rail In-
vestment and Improvement Act of 2008 (49 U.S.C. 24101 
note), and the item relating thereto in the table of con-
tents of such Act, are repealed. 
SEC. 203. STATE-SUPPORTED ROUTES. 
(a) AMENDMENT.—Chapter 247 of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the fol-
lowing new section: 
‘‘§ 24712. State-supported routes 
‘‘(a) STATE-SUPPORTED ROUTE ADVISORY COM-
MITTEE.— 
‘‘(1) ESTABLISHMENT.—Not later than 90 days 
after the date of enactment of the Passenger Rail 
Reform and Investment Act of 2015, the Secretary 
of Transportation shall establish a State-Supported 
Route Advisory Committee to promote mutual co-
operation and planning pertaining to the rail oper-
ations and related activities of trains operated on 
State-supported routes and to further implement 
section 209 of the Passenger Rail Investment and 
Improvement Act of 2008 (49 U.S.C. 24101 note). 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
23:33 Mar 09, 2015
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00027
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H749.RFS
H749
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS
HR 749 RFS 
‘‘(2) MEMBERSHIP.—The Committee shall con-
sist of representatives of— 
‘‘(A) Amtrak; 
‘‘(B) the Department of Transportation, 
including the Federal Railroad Administration; 
and 
‘‘(C) seven States that sponsor State-sup-
ported routes, selected by the Administrator of 
the Federal Railroad Administration on the 
basis of appropriate expertise and geographic 
balance, and in a manner that ensures that all 
appropriate States are represented periodically 
on the Committee. 
‘‘(3) DISTRIBUTION
OF
MEMBERSHIP.—The 
membership belonging to any of the groups de-
scribed in each individual subparagraph of para-
graph (2) shall not constitute a majority of the 
Committee’s memberships. 
‘‘(4) MEETINGS; RULES AND PROCEDURES.— 
The Committee shall establish a schedule and loca-
tion for convening meetings, but shall meet no less 
than 2 times every fiscal year. The Committee shall 
develop rules and procedures to govern the Commit-
tee’s proceedings. 
‘‘(b) COST, SERVICE, AND RIDERSHIP FORECASTS.— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
23:33 Mar 09, 2015
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00028
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H749.RFS
H749
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS
HR 749 RFS 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than January 31, 
2016, and annually thereafter, Amtrak shall trans-
mit to each State that sponsors a State-supported 
route, and to the Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure and the Committee on Appropriations 
of the House of Representatives and the Committee 
on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the 
Committee on Appropriations of the Senate— 
‘‘(A) a final statement of costs, revenues, 
ridership, and other information determined ap-
propriate by the Committee established under 
subsection (a), pertaining to each such route for 
the prior fiscal year; and 
‘‘(B) a cost, service, and ridership forecast 
for each such route for the upcoming fiscal 
year, developed pursuant to the methodology es-
tablished under section 209 of the Passenger 
Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 
(49 U.S.C. 24101 note). 
‘‘(2) EXCEPTION.—The Committee may estab-
lish a different deadline than is required under para-
graph (1) for submission of final financial state-
ments and cost, service, and ridership forecasts. 
‘‘(3) QUARTERLY
UPDATES.—Beginning in 
2016, and each year thereafter, Amtrak shall trans-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
23:33 Mar 09, 2015
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00029
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H749.RFS
H749
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS
HR 749 RFS 
mit to each State that sponsors a State-supported 
route quarterly updates of the cost, service, and rid-
ership forecast described in paragraph (1)(B) to en-
able States to pace costs against State budgets, plan 
effectively, and address unexpected changes in costs 
in a timely manner, on the following dates: 
‘‘(A) April 30, for the period encompassing 
January through March of such year. 
‘‘(B) July 31, for the period encompassing 
April through June of such year. 
‘‘(C) October 31, for the period encom-
passing July through September of such year. 
‘‘(c) INVOICES.—Not later than February 15, 2016, 
and monthly thereafter, Amtrak shall provide to each 
State that sponsors a State-supported route a monthly in-
voice of the cost of operating such route, including fixed 
costs and third-party costs. 
‘‘(d) DISPUTE RESOLUTION.— 
‘‘(1) REQUEST FOR EXPEDITED RESOLUTION.— 
If a dispute arises with respect to a forecast devel-
oped under subsection (b), an invoice developed 
under subsection (c), or the terms of a contract for 
operation of a State-supported route negotiated be-
tween Amtrak and a State that sponsors the route, 
either Amtrak or the State may request that the 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
23:33 Mar 09, 2015
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00030
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H749.RFS
H749
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS
HR 749 RFS 
Surface Transportation Board conduct expedited 
dispute resolution under this subsection. 
‘‘(2) PROCEDURES.—The Surface Transpor-
tation Board shall establish procedures for expedited 
resolution of disputes brought before it under this 
subsection. 
‘‘(3) BINDING
EFFECT.—The decision of the 
Surface Transportation Board under this subsection 
shall be binding on the parties to the dispute. 
‘‘(e) FRA ASSISTANCE.—The Federal Railroad Ad-
ministration may provide assistance to the parties in the 
course of negotiations for a contract for operation of a 
State-supported route. 
‘‘(f) PERFORMANCE METRICS.—In negotiating a con-
tract for operation of a State-supported route, Amtrak 
and the State or States that sponsor the route shall con-
sider including provisions that provide penalties and incen-
tives for performance based on metrics that take into ac-
count only those factors within the control of Amtrak or 
the State or States. 
‘‘(g) DEFINITION OF STATE.—In this section, the 
term ‘State’ means each of the 50 States and the District 
of Columbia.’’. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
23:33 Mar 09, 2015
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00031
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H749.RFS
H749
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS
HR 749 RFS 
(b) TABLE OF SECTIONS AMENDMENT.—The table of 
sections for such chapter 247 is amended by adding at 
the end the following new item: 
‘‘24712. State-supported routes.’’. 
SEC. 204. ROUTE AND SERVICE PLANNING DECISIONS. 
Section 208 of the Passenger Rail Investment and 
Improvement Act of 2008 (49 U.S.C. 24101 note) is 
amended to read as follows: 
‘‘SEC. 208. METHODOLOGIES FOR AMTRAK ROUTE AND 
SERVICE PLANNING DECISIONS. 
‘‘(a) METHODOLOGY
DEVELOPMENT.—Not later 
than 180 days after the date of enactment of the Pas-
senger Rail Reform and Investment Act of 2015, as a con-
dition of receiving a grant under section 101 of such Act, 
Amtrak shall obtain the services of an independent entity 
to develop and recommend objective methodologies for 
Amtrak to use in determining what intercity rail passenger 
transportation routes and services it should provide, in-
cluding the establishment of new routes, the elimination 
of existing routes, and the contraction or expansion of 
services or frequencies over such routes. 
‘‘(b) CONSIDERATIONS.—Amtrak shall require the 
entity, in developing the methodologies described in sub-
section (a), to consider— 
‘‘(1) the current and expected performance and 
service quality of intercity rail passenger transpor-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
23:33 Mar 09, 2015
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00032
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H749.RFS
H749
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS
HR 749 RFS 
tation operations, including cost recovery, on-time 
performance, ridership, on-board services, stations, 
facilities, equipment, and other services; 
‘‘(2) connectivity of a route with other routes; 
‘‘(3) the transportation needs of communities 
and populations that are not well served by intercity 
rail passenger transportation service or by other 
forms of intercity transportation; 
‘‘(4) the methodologies of Amtrak and major 
intercity rail passenger transportation service pro-
viders in other countries for determining intercity 
passenger rail routes and services; 
‘‘(5) the views of States, rail carriers that own 
infrastructure over which Amtrak operates, Amtrak 
employee representatives, and other interested par-
ties; and 
‘‘(6) the funding levels that will be available 
under authorization levels that have been enacted 
into law. 
‘‘(c) RECOMMENDATIONS.—Not later than 1 year 
after the date of enactment of the Passenger Rail Reform 
and Investment Act of 2015, Amtrak shall transmit to the 
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
House of Representatives, and the Committee on Com-
merce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate the rec-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
23:33 Mar 09, 2015
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00033
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H749.RFS
H749
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS
HR 749 RFS 
ommendations developed by the entity pursuant to sub-
section (a). 
‘‘(d) CONSIDERATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS.—Not 
later than 90 days after transmitting the recommenda-
tions pursuant to subsection (c), the Amtrak Board of Di-
rectors shall consider the adoption of the recommenda-
tions and transmit to the Committee on Transportation 
and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and 
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 
of the Senate a report containing an explanation of any 
reasons for adopting or not adopting the recommenda-
tions.’’. 
SEC. 205. COMPETITION. 
(a) AMENDMENT.—Section 24711 of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘§ 24711. Alternate passenger rail service pilot pro-
gram 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year after the 
date of enactment of the Passenger Rail Reform and In-
vestment Act of 2015, the Federal Railroad Administra-
tion shall complete a rulemaking proceeding to develop a 
pilot program that— 
‘‘(1) permits a rail carrier or rail carriers that 
own infrastructure over which Amtrak operates a 
passenger rail service route described in subpara-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
23:33 Mar 09, 2015
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00034
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H749.RFS
H749
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS
HR 749 RFS 
graph (B), (C), or (D) of section 24102(7) or in sec-
tion 24702(a) to petition the Federal Railroad Ad-
ministration to be considered as a passenger rail 
service provider over that route in lieu of Amtrak for 
an operations period of 5 years; 
‘‘(2) requires the Federal Railroad Administra-
tion to notify Amtrak within 30 days after receiving 
a petition under paragraph (1) and establish a dead-
line by which both the petitioner and Amtrak would 
be required to submit a bid to provide passenger rail 
service over the route to which the petition relates; 
‘‘(3) requires that each bid describe how the 
bidder would operate the route, what Amtrak pas-
senger equipment would be needed, if any, and what 
sources of non-Federal funding the bidder would 
use, including any State subsidy, among other 
things; 
‘‘(4) requires the Federal Railroad Administra-
tion to execute a contract within a specified, limited 
time after the deadline established under paragraph 
(2) and award to the winning bidder— 
‘‘(A) the right and obligation to provide 
passenger rail service over that route subject to 
such performance standards as the Federal 
Railroad Administration may require; and 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
23:33 Mar 09, 2015
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00035
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H749.RFS
H749
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS
HR 749 RFS 
‘‘(B) an operating subsidy— 
‘‘(i) for the first year at a level not in 
excess of 90 percent of the level in effect 
for that specific route during the fiscal 
year preceding the fiscal year in which the 
petition was received, adjusted for infla-
tion; and 
‘‘(ii) for any subsequent years at the 
level calculated under clause (i), adjusted 
for inflation; and 
‘‘(5) requires that each bid contain a staffing 
plan describing the number of employees needed to 
operate the service, the job assignments and require-
ments, and the terms of work for prospective and 
current employees of the bidder for the service out-
lined in the bid, and that such staffing plan be made 
available by the winning bidder to the public after 
the bid award. 
‘‘(b) ROUTE LIMITATIONS.—The Federal Railroad 
Administration may not make the program available with 
respect to more than two Amtrak intercity passenger rail 
routes. 
‘‘(c) PERFORMANCE STANDARDS; ACCESS TO FACILI-
TIES; EMPLOYEES.—If the Federal Railroad Administra-
tion awards the right and obligation to provide passenger 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
23:33 Mar 09, 2015
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00036
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H749.RFS
H749
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS
HR 749 RFS 
rail service over a route under this section to a rail carrier 
or rail carriers— 
‘‘(1) it shall execute a contract with the rail 
carrier or rail carriers for rail passenger operations 
on that route that conditions the operating and sub-
sidy rights on— 
‘‘(A) the service provider continuing to 
provide passenger rail service on the route that 
is no less frequent, nor over a shorter distance, 
than Amtrak provided on that route before the 
award; and 
‘‘(B) the service provider’s compliance with 
the standards established under subsection 
(a)(4)(A), and such additional performance 
standards as the Administration may establish; 
‘‘(2) it shall, if the award is made to a rail car-
rier other than Amtrak, require Amtrak to provide 
access to its reservation system, stations, and facili-
ties directly related to operations to any rail carrier 
or rail carriers awarded a contract under this sec-
tion, in accordance with subsection (d), necessary to 
carry out the purposes of this section; 
‘‘(3) an employee of any person used by such 
rail carrier or rail carriers in the operation of a 
route under this section shall be considered an em-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
23:33 Mar 09, 2015
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00037
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H749.RFS
H749
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS
HR 749 RFS 
ployee of that carrier or carriers and subject to the 
applicable Federal laws and regulations governing 
similar crafts or classes of employees of Amtrak, in-
cluding provisions under section 121 of the Amtrak 
Reform and Accountability Act of 1997 (49 U.S.C. 
4312 note) relating to employees that provide food 
and beverage service; and 
‘‘(4) the winning bidder shall provide hiring 
preference to qualified Amtrak employees displaced 
by the award of the bid, consistent with the staffing 
plan submitted by the bidder, and shall be subject 
to the grant conditions under section 24405 of this 
title. 
‘‘(d) DISPUTES.—If Amtrak and the rail carrier or 
rail carriers awarded a route under this section cannot 
agree upon terms to carry out subsection (c)(2), and the 
Surface Transportation Board finds that access to Am-
trak’s facilities or equipment, or the provision of services 
by Amtrak, is necessary to carry out subsection (c)(2) and 
that the operation of Amtrak’s other services will not be 
impaired thereby, the Surface Transportation Board shall, 
within 120 days after submission of the dispute, issue an 
order that the facilities and equipment be made available, 
and that services be provided, by Amtrak, and shall deter-
mine reasonable compensation, liability, and other terms 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
23:33 Mar 09, 2015
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00038
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H749.RFS
H749
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS
HR 749 RFS 
for use of the facilities and equipment and provision of 
the services. 
‘‘(e) CESSATION OF SERVICE.—If a rail carrier or rail 
carriers awarded a route under this section cease to oper-
ate the service or fail to fulfill their obligations under the 
contract required under subsection (c), the Federal Rail-
road Administration, in collaboration with the Surface 
Transportation Board, shall take any necessary action 
consistent with this title to enforce the contract and en-
sure the continued provision of service, including the in-
stallment of an interim service provider and rebidding the 
contract to operate the service. The entity providing serv-
ice shall either be Amtrak or a rail carrier defined in sub-
section (a)(1). 
‘‘(f) ADEQUATE RESOURCES.—Before taking any ac-
tion allowed under this section, the Secretary shall certify 
that the Federal Railroad Administration has sufficient 
resources appropriated under section 101(b) of Passenger 
Rail Reform and Investment Act of 2015, or any subse-
quent appropriation, for that purpose that are adequate 
to undertake the program established under this section. 
‘‘(g) BUDGET AUTHORITY.—The Secretary of Trans-
portation may provide to a winning bidder selected under 
this section appropriations authorized under sections 
101(b) of the Passenger Rail Reform and Investment Act 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
23:33 Mar 09, 2015
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00039
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H749.RFS
H749
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS
HR 749 RFS 
of 2015, or any subsequent appropriation for the same 
purposes, necessary to cover the operating subsidy de-
scribed in subsection (a)(4)(B).’’. 
(b) REPORT.—Not later than 1 year after the conclu-
sion of the pilot program established under the amend-
ment made by subsection (a), the Federal Railroad Ad-
ministration shall submit to the Committee on Transpor-
tation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives 
and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor-
tation of the Senate a report on the results on the pilot 
program established under section 24711 of title 49 
United States Code, and any recommendations for further 
action. 
SEC. 206. FOOD AND BEVERAGE REFORM. 
(a) AMENDMENT.—Chapter 243 of title 49, United 
States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the 
following new section: 
‘‘§ 24321. Food and beverage reform 
‘‘(a) PLAN.—Not later than 90 days after the date 
of enactment of the Passenger Rail Reform and Invest-
ment Act of 2015, Amtrak shall develop and begin imple-
menting a plan to eliminate, within 5 years of such date 
of enactment, the operating loss associated with providing 
food and beverage service on board Amtrak trains. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
23:33 Mar 09, 2015
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00040
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H749.RFS
H749
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS
HR 749 RFS 
‘‘(b) CONSIDERATIONS.—In developing and imple-
menting the plan, Amtrak shall consider a combination of 
cost management and revenue generation initiatives, in-
cluding— 
‘‘(1) scheduling optimization; 
‘‘(2) on-board logistics; 
‘‘(3) product development and supply chain effi-
ciency; 
‘‘(4) training, awards, and accountability; 
‘‘(5) technology enhancements and process im-
provements; and 
‘‘(6) ticket revenue allocation. 
‘‘(c) SAVINGS CLAUSE.—Amtrak shall ensure that no 
Amtrak employee holding a position as of the date of en-
actment of the Passenger Rail Reform and Investment Act 
of 2015 is involuntarily separated because of— 
‘‘(1) the development and implementation of the 
plan required under subsection (a); or 
‘‘(2) any other action taken by Amtrak to im-
plement this section. 
‘‘(d) NO
FEDERAL
FUNDING
FOR
OPERATING 
LOSSES.—Beginning on the date that is 5 years after the 
date of enactment of the Passenger Rail Reform and In-
vestment Act of 2015, no Federal funds may be used to 
cover any operating loss associated with providing food 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
23:33 Mar 09, 2015
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00041
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H749.RFS
H749
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS
HR 749 RFS 
and beverage service on a route operated by Amtrak or 
an alternative passenger rail service provider that operates 
a route in lieu of Amtrak pursuant to section 24711. 
‘‘(e) REPORT.—Not later than 120 days after the 
date of enactment of the Passenger Rail Reform and In-
vestment Act of 2015, and annually thereafter for 5 years, 
Amtrak shall transmit to the Committee on Transpor-
tation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives 
and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor-
tation of the Senate a report containing the plan developed 
pursuant to subsection (a) and a description of progress 
in the implementation of the plan.’’. 
(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—The table of sec-
tions for chapter 243 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following new item: 
‘‘24321. Food and beverage reform.’’. 
SEC. 207. RIGHT-OF-WAY LEVERAGING. 
(a) REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS.—Not later than 180 
days after the date of enactment of this Act, Amtrak shall 
issue a Request for Proposals seeking private sector per-
sons or entities to utilize Amtrak-owned right-of-way for 
telecommunications systems, energy distribution systems, 
and other activities considered appropriate by Amtrak. 
The Request for Proposals shall provide sufficient infor-
mation on Amtrak’s right-of-way real estate assets to en-
able respondents to propose an arrangement that will 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
23:33 Mar 09, 2015
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00042
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H749.RFS
H749
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS
HR 749 RFS 
monetize such assets through revenue sharing agreements 
with Amtrak. 
(b) CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSALS.—Not later than 
1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Amtrak 
Board of Directors shall review and consider each proposal 
submitted pursuant to subsection (a). Amtrak may enter 
into such agreements as are necessary to implement any 
such proposal or proposals. 
(c) REPORT
TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 18 
months after the date of enactment of this Act, Amtrak 
shall transmit to the Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the 
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of 
the Senate a report on the Request for Proposals required 
by this section, including summary information of any pro-
posals submitted to Amtrak and any proposals accepted 
by the Amtrak Board of Directors. 
SEC. 208. STATION DEVELOPMENT. 
(a) REPORT ON DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS.—Not later 
than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, Am-
trak shall transmit to the Committee on Transportation 
and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and 
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 
of the Senate a report on options to enhance development 
around Amtrak stations, including— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
23:33 Mar 09, 2015
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00043
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H749.RFS
H749
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS
HR 749 RFS 
(1) strengthening multimodal connections, in-
cluding intercity buses; 
(2) options for capturing development-related 
revenue streams; and 
(3) other opportunities to better leverage sta-
tion assets. 
(b) PROPOSALS.— 
(1) REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS.—Not later than 
18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, 
Amtrak shall issue a Request for Proposals seeking 
persons or entities, including small business con-
cerns owned and controlled by socially and economi-
cally disadvantaged individuals, to carry out the op-
tions identified under subsection (a). 
(2) CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSALS.—Not later 
than 24 months after the date of enactment of this 
Act, the Amtrak Board of Directors shall review and 
consider each proposal submitted pursuant to para-
graph (1). Amtrak may enter into such agreements 
as are necessary to implement any such proposal or 
proposals. 
(c) REPORT
TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 30 
months after the date of enactment of this Act, Amtrak 
shall transmit to the Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
23:33 Mar 09, 2015
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00044
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H749.RFS
H749
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS
HR 749 RFS 
(d) RRIF APPLICATION.—Section 502(i) of such Act 
(45 U.S.C. 822(i)) is further amended— 
(1) by striking ‘‘DISAPPROVAL.—Not later than 
90 days after receiving’’ and inserting ‘‘DIS-
APPROVAL.— 
‘‘(1) IN
GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days 
after an application is determined pursuant to para-
graph (2) to be’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following new 
paragraphs: 
‘‘(2) COMPLETION OF APPLICATION.—The Sec-
retary shall establish procedures for making a deter-
mination, not later than 45 days after submission of 
an application under this section, whether the appli-
cation is complete. Such procedures shall— 
‘‘(A) provide for a checklist of the required 
components of a complete application; 
‘‘(B) require the Secretary to provide to 
the applicant a description of the specific com-
ponents of the application that remain incom-
plete if an application is determined to be in-
complete; and 
‘‘(C) permit reapplication without preju-
dice for applications determined to be incom-
plete. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
23:33 Mar 09, 2015
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00056
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H749.RFS
H749
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS