GoAmtrak

That's the crux of the problem: The high menu prices don't come close to covering the costs. It's absurd for Congress to expect Amtrak's food service to make a profit, when it's being served in a logistically challenging supply environment, by unionized, salaried safety professionals. Yes, some crews are surly, but you don't want any of your train crew to be minimum-wage burger-flippers who couldn't effectively respond in an emergency. Food service should be viewed as a loss-leading marketing tool that's accessible for all socioeconomic sectors of ridership, not a profit center.

Yes, the menu options should be diversified and made healthier. Yes, the service delivery needs work. Yes, the timing should be flexible. But the heat should be squarely on Congress for statutorily mandating that Amtrak's food service make a profit. It's totally asinine micromanaging, and the Rep. who agitated to insert that poison pill in the last reauthorization (John Mica) was turfed out two elections ago.