Part 5/16:
To appreciate these subtle successes, it’s crucial to clarify what Amtrak’s role is actually meant to be. Public perception often sees Amtrak as a semi-governmental service that should somehow turn a profit but consistently doesn’t. That’s an oversimplification. Legally, the 1970 Rail Passenger Service Act established that Amtrak would be a for-profit corporation—though with critical caveats.