...Express trains to the Northeast this year. The criticism came in Vranich's scathing letter of resignation from the Amtrak Reform Council, a congressional oversight committee to which he was appointed in 1998. Vranich, 54, a nationally known communications...

...develop every conceivable method of generating revenue and income to help us support a national system." The Amtrak Reform Council, created by Congress as a watchdog, has encouraged the railway in carrying mail and freight but says the system...

...service to their states. Amtrak is under growing pressure to improve its finances. The congressionally appointed Amtrak Reform Council will recommend next week that the government break up Amtrak and open passenger rail to competition.

...of carrying passengers, should be replaced at least in part by private operators working under franchise, the Amtrak Reform Council said. The council's report, sent to Congress, says Amtrak should be relieved of policy-making duties and...

...streamlined rail passenger network," McCain said. Many of his recommendations are in line with those of the Amtrak Reform Council. The council, created by Congress in 1997, issued a report on Feb. 7 calling for competition in passenger rail...

...took the job in December 1997, a year after Congress set the deadline for self-sufficiency and appointed the Amtrak Reform Council to monitor progress. Last month the council sent to Congress a plan suggesting the government break up Amtrak...

...based rail consultant. "It's certainly safer than driving on a freeway." However, Wendell Cox of the Amtrak Reform Council, said that freight and passenger trains sharing tracks causes him concern, despite the statistics. "We need...