# What This Bill Does

This bill requires Amtrak to hand over several railroad properties and stations in Pennsylvania to the state government by June 30, 2021. Specifically, Amtrak would transfer ownership of the Keystone Line (the train route between Harrisburg and Philadelphia), most of its passenger stations in Pennsylvania along the Northeast Corridor, and certain track sections near Philadelphia's 30th Street Station. The state would essentially take over these assets without paying Amtrak anything in return.

# What This Means in Practice

If this bill passes, Pennsylvania would become the owner and operator of these rail properties instead of Amtrak. This could allow the state to have more control over commuter rail service in the region and potentially make decisions about fares, schedules, and maintenance independently. Amtrak would still be allowed to use these properties under the same terms that other commuter rail operators use Amtrak's lines, meaning they'd have to negotiate access rights with Pennsylvania rather than owning the infrastructure outright.

# The Financial Side

The bill also transfers certain financial obligations from Amtrak to Pennsylvania. The federal government originally loaned money to Amtrak to purchase the Northeast Corridor decades ago, and Amtrak has been paying back that debt. This bill would shift a portion of that remaining debt obligation to Pennsylvania based on how much of the original purchase price applied to the properties being transferred. Essentially, Pennsylvania would inherit part of Amtrak's debt along with the property ownership.

To amend title 49, United States Code, to require Amtrak to convey of certain properties to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and for other purposes.

Rep. Smucker, Lloyd [R-PA-11]

 <p>This bill requires the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak), on or before June 30, 2021, to convey specific properties to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, including the Keystone Line and stations between Harrisburg and Philadelphia.</p> <p>Amtrak shall be entitled to use the properties conveyed on the same terms and conditions and right to determination by the U.S. Surface Transportation Board as afforded commuter authorities operating over Amtrak's lines, but shall not be entitled to compensation for the conveyances.</p>