WASHINGTON – Amtrak celebrates 35 years on Monday as critics call for the passenger railroad to be dismantled.
A group of analysts who have followed Amtrak's woes over the years plan to discuss its future after a year of trouble.
President Bush proposed no federal aid for the railroad, the high-speed train was taken out of service for months due to brake problems and Amtrak's president was fired.
Some blame Congress for Amtrak's financial woes as lawmakers provide billions of dollars in subsidies but give no real direction for reform.
Amtrak's acting president, David Hughes, said the railroad's future is bright. He said they are cutting costs and revamping some long-distance routes.
But analysts say Amtrak should privatize some of its operations, similar to changes in Britain, Canada and Japan.
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