Sen. Wayne Allard, chairman of the Subcommittee on Housing and Transportation, has announced a hearing on the decision of the Federal Transit Administration to approve a three-year contract extension between Amtrak and the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority.

Testimony at an April 25 Banking Committee hearing demonstrated that Amtrak was the least qualified and most costly bidder -- by $116 million -- for a new contract to provide mechanical services for MBTA's commuter rail system. Nevertheless, Amtrak's contract extension was accepted by MBTA and approved June 21 by the Federal Transit Administration.

The Senate Banking Committee has legislative responsibility for urban mass transit programs under the standing rules of the Senate.

WHAT:

Housing and Transportation Subcommittee
Hearing on Amtrak Contract

WHEN:

2 p.m. Tuesday, July 11, 2000

WHERE:

Room 538 Dirksen Senate Building

WHO:

Ms. Nuria Fernandez
Federal Transit Administration
Acting Administrator

Mr. George Warrington
President and CEO
National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak)