The Allocation of Costs and Control: A Case Study of PRIIA Section 209 and Amtrak State-Supported Routes

This report examines how Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act (PRIIA) Section 209 impacted National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) intercity routes and state partners, using the Pacific Surfliner route as a case study. To determine how the cost policy impacted the Pacific Surfliner service, the study draws on both an analysis of ridership and financial data and expert interviews.

The report presents the study findings from a comparison of ridership and farebox recovery statistics before and after the implementation of PRIIA Section 209, as well as interviews with staff from the LOSSAN Agency and the State of California to assess their views on how PRIIA has affected their working relationship with Amtrak. The conclusion section summarizes the key findings about the best path forward for the LOSSAN Agency and State of California to maintain successful operation of Amtrak intercity service within the confines of PRIIA Section 209.