To generate revenue to support basic rail services and maximize Amtrak's own investments, commercial and investment partners will be identified over the next year for business alliances. Aggressive and innovative partnerships will be the cornerstone of three of the four other key strategies in this Strategic Business Plan. Partnerships will:

»Be critical to the commercial strategy for long-distance trains as envisioned in the market-based network;
»Form the basic business organizational structure used in the development of corridor services;
»Be fundamental to repositioning Amtrak's brand identity.

Specifically, Amtrak is developing:

»Commercial Partners.
Like any progressive business, Amtrak seeks leaders throughout the industry to join in maximizing the revenue potential of Amtrak's many assets, be it real estate, communications and electric power corridors, national transportation network, a highly-qualified mechanical work force, or a national reservations system.

»Service Partners.
As Amtrak redefines the parameters of a national system, it will seek public partners - federal, state, and local - who will contribute to the preservation and expansion of train service. In addition, Amtrak will seek private partners who can transfer their external expertise in service delivery or product offerings to both enhance the travel experience for customers and improve the financial performance of these vital train routes.

»Investment Partners.
Amtrak does more than merely provide a transportation service - it safeguards the infrastructure of our national passenger railroad system. Like every other element of the country's transportation network - highways, waterways, and airport facilities - the passenger railroad infrastructure requires heavy capital investment. Amtrak will continue its partnership with the federal government by seeking on-going federal capital investment in the railroad, in exchange for Amtrak's wise use of the funds in a way that brings long-term returns. In addition, Amtrak will look to state and private partners to develop innovative business arrangements for investment in future corridor services and equipment purchases.

More detailed information about Amtrak's Strategic Business Plan:

Highlights of Strategic Business Plan
Business Vision
The Operating Plan
On the Path to Self-Sufficiency
Build a Market-Based Network
Develop Corridor Services
Deliver Consistent Quality Service
Revitalize the Amtrak Brand
Leverage Public and Private Partnerships