Originally Posted by PHLviaUS
The limitation only applies to routes operating with federal subsidy. Amtrak is made whole on the Downeaster and the California Capitol Corridor services by the states. These routes do not receive federal support and are not subject to the 50% maximum discount requirement.
This is only half-true. While the Downeaster is supported entirely by state sources, the Capitols and other California Corridors receive a portion of their operating support from Amtrak. Amtrak funds a small amount of the round-trips on these lines. I suspect there are other state-supported corridors where this is also the case.
Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority Managing Director (and NARP Director) Gene Skoropowski sent a scathing e-mail to rail supporters after the appropriation was passed adamantly asserting that the language would very much force the Capitols to raise their monthly pass and other fares by untenable amounts, and end the highly popular school field trip discount program. I don't have the e-mail, but it was reposted to other forums. Perhaps
AlanB has a copy of it.
Incidentally, Mr Skoropowski is the recipient of this year's
Railway Age W. Graham Claytor Award for Distinguished Service to Passenger Transportation. He knows what he's talking about, and when he talks, people listen.