I've heard that while Amtrak still loses a bunch of cash every year, it is gradually making up more of its defecit year after year. Is this true?
lattasnip9 I've heard that while Amtrak still loses a bunch of cash every year, it is gradually making up more of its defecit year after year. Is this true?
For FY 2007 Amtrak's loss from continuing operations was $1,120,900, whilst the comprehensive loss, which includes a variety of non-operating items and accounting adjustments, was $1,338,371. The comparable numbers for FY 2006 were $1,067,990 and $1,058,264. The loss for FY 2007 was greater in both categories than the loss for FY 2006.
For FY 2005 the loss from continuing operations was $1,192,345, whilst the comprehensive loss was $1,206,188. Thus, whilst Amtrak realized a greater loss in 2007 than 2006, it had a lower loss in 2006 when compared to 2005. The 2007 operating loss was less than the 2005 operating loss, but the comprehensive loss was greater. The comprehensive loss is the most important number.
For FY 2001 the operating loss was $1,248,096 and the comprehensive loss was $1,247,968. Again, when compared to 2007, the operating loss for 2007 was less than the operating loss for 2001, but the comprehensive loss was greater. This pattern tended to hold true from 2001 to 2007.
From 2001 through 2007 Amtrak required an annual federal subsidy well north of $1 billion. It is on track to require a similar subsidy for FY 2008.
Amtrak requires a higher federal subsidy per passenger mile than any form of commercial passenger transport in the United States.
The numbers shown are net income figures. They are not cash flow items. However, for the most part, they show that Amtrak requires a significant federal subsidy to cover its operations, and the amount of the annual subsidy has not been reduced materially.
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