Amtrak Improvement Act of 1979

Summary

Amtrak Improvement Act of 1979 - Amends the Rail Passenger Service Act to empower the National Railroad Passenger Corporation to hire railroad police (previously the Corporation could hire only security guards). Stipulates that the Corporation shall not be deemed a common carrier by railroad under the Interstate Commerce Act with respect to the issuance of securities or the assumption of any obligation or liability in respect of the securities of others. Authorizes the Corporation to establish through routes and joint fares with any domestic or international motor, air, or water carrier (previously the Corporation could only establish such routes or fares with motor carriers). Stipulates that the Corporation shall not be subject to any State or local law regarding pay periods or dates for payment to employees. Stipulates that the Corporation shall be deemed to be qualified to do business in each State in which it performs any authorized activity and that the Corporation shall accept service of process at its principal office in Washington, D.C. Stipulates that after October 1, 1979, all intercity rail passenger route additions and discontinuances of the Corporation shall be in accordance with specified criteria. Sets forth the method by which railroads shall reimburse the Corporation for its provision of free or reduced fare transportation for railroad employees if the Corporation and the railroad involved fail to agree on compensation. Authorizes appropriations in specified amounts for fiscal years 1980 through 1982 for: (1) operating expenses of the basic intercity rail system; (2) payment of the costs of capital acquisition or improvements of the basic system; and (3) the payment of the principal amount of obligations of the Corporation. Directs the Corporation, beginning with 1979, to supply the Secretary of Transportation with such information as is required by the Secretary to comply with the Budget and Accounting Act, 1921. Repeals the requirement that the Interstate Commerce Commission promulgate regulations to provide adequate service, equipment, tracks and facilities for quality intercity rail passenger service.

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Documents

4 official files

• Indefinitely postponed in Senate

  summary · EN · 2 August 1979

  Open at official source

• Passed Senate amended

  summary · EN · 1 August 1979

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• Reported to Senate with amendment(s)

  summary · EN · 15 May 1979

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• Introduced in Senate

  summary · EN · 21 March 1979

  Open at official source

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