49 CFR Part 273 — Metrics and Minimum Standards for Intercity Passenger Train Operations

PART 273—METRICS AND MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR INTERCITY PASSENGER TRAIN OPERATIONS Authority: Sec. 207, Div. B, Pub. L. 110-432; 49 U.S.C. 24101, note; 49 U.S.C. 103(j); 49 CFR 1.81; 49 CFR 1.88; and 49 CFR 1.89. Source: 85 FR 73000, Nov. 16, 2020, unless otherwise noted. § 273.1 Purpose. The purpose of this part is to establish metrics and minimum standards for measuring the performance and service quality of intercity passenger train operations. § 273.3 Definitions. As used in this part— Actual running time Adjusted operating expenses Adjusted operating revenue Amtrak Amtrak's customer satisfaction survey Amtrak-responsible delays Avoidable operating costs Certified schedule Disputed schedule (1) A published train schedule for which a specific change is sought: (i) That is the only subject of a non-binding dispute resolution process led by a neutral third-party and involving Amtrak and one or more host railroads; (ii) That is the only subject of a non-binding dispute resolution process led by a neutral third-party that has been initiated by one or more host railroads and Amtrak has not consented to participate in the process within 30 calendar days; or (iii) That is the only subject of a non-binding dispute resolution process led by a neutral third-party that has been initiated by Amtrak and the host railroad has not consented to participate in the process within 30 calendar days. (2) The written decision resulting from a non-binding dispute resolution process is admissible in Surface Transportation Board investigations under 49 U.S.C. 24308(f). If a published train schedule is reported as a disputed schedule under § 273.5(c)(1), then it remains a disputed schedule until reported as a certified schedule. Fully allocated core operating costs Host railroad Host-responsible delays Not well-served communities Passenger revenue Ridership data Scheduled running time Schedule skeleton Third party delays Uncertified schedule § 273.5 On-time performance and train delays. (a) Customer on-time performance Metric. (2) Standard. (3) Application. (ii) If a train schedule is a disputed schedule on or before May 17, 2021, then the customer on-time performance standard for the disputed schedule shall apply beginning on the second full calendar quarter after May 17, 2021. (b) Ridership data. (c) Certified schedule Metric. (i) On December 16, 2020; (ii) On January 19, 2021; (iii) On February 16, 2021; (iv) On March 16, 2021; (v) On April 16, 2021; (vi) On May 17, 2021; (vii) On November 16, 2021; and (viii) Every 12 months after November 16, 2021. (2) Reporting. (i) The Amtrak train schedule(s) at issue; (ii) The specific components of the train schedule(s) on which Amtrak and host railroad cannot reach agreement; (iii) Amtrak's position regarding the disagreed upon components of the train schedule(s); (iv) Host railroad's position regarding the disagreed upon components of the train schedule(s); and (v) Amtrak and the host railroad's plan and expectation date to resolve the disagreement(s). The requirement to transmit this joint letter and status report ends for the train schedule at issue when the uncertified schedule becomes a certified schedule. (3) Ongoing coordination between Amtrak and host railroads. (d) Train delays. (e) Train delays per 10,000 train miles. (f) Station performance. (g) Host running time. § 273.7 Customer service. (a) Customer satisfaction. (b) Amtrak personnel. (c) Information given. (d) On-board comfort. (e) On-board cleanliness. (f) On-board food service. § 273.9 Financial. (a) Cost recovery. (b) Avoidable operating costs covered by passenger revenue. (c) Fully allocated core operating costs covered by passenger revenue. (d) Average ridership. (e) Total ridership. § 273.11 Public benefits. (a) Connectivity. (b) Missed connections. (c) Community access. (d) Service availability.

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