“ Should the Department of Transportation issue any rule related to transportation for individuals with disabilities by intercity passenger rail after Amtrak submits its evaluation, Amtrak shall, within 120 days after the date that such rule is published, submit to the above parties a supplemental evaluation on any impact of the rule on its cost and schedule for achieving full compliance. ”

“ STATEMENT OF GOALS.—The Commission shall develop a statement of goals concerning the future of Northeast Corridor rail infrastructure and operations based on achieving expanded and improved intercity, commuter, and freight rail services operating with greater safety and reliability, reduced travel times, increased frequencies and enhanced intermodal connections designed to address airport and highway congestion, reduce transportation energy consumption, improve air quality, and increase economic development of the Northeast Corridor region. ”

“ OVERSIGHT OF AMTRAK’S COMPLIANCE WITH ACCESSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS. Using the funds authorized by section 103 of this division, the Federal Railroad Administration shall monitor and conduct periodic reviews of Amtrak’s compliance with applicable sections of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1974 to ensure that Amtrak’s services and facilities are accessible to individuals with disabilities to the extent required by law. ”

“ PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT PLAN.—Amtrak shall develop and post on its website a performance improvement plan for its long-distance passenger rail routes to achieve financial and operating improvements based on the data collected through the application of the financial and performance metrics developed under section 207 of that Act. ”

“ Contracts for Transportation- Amtrak may enter into a contract with a State, a regional or local authority, or another person for Amtrak to operate an intercity rail service or route not included in the national rail passenger transportation system upon such terms as the parties thereto may agree. ”

“ Amtrak operates 15 long-distance trains over 18,500 route miles that serve 39 States and the District of Columbia. These trains provide the only rail passenger service to 23 States. (4) Amtrak’s long-distance trains provide an essential transportation service for many communities and to a significant percentage of the general public. (5) Many long-distance trains serve small communities with limited or no significant air or bus service, especially in remote or isolated areas in the United States. ”

“ PROVISION OF FINANCIAL INCENTIVES.— For Amtrak employees who are adversely affected by the cessation of the operation of a long-distance route or any other route under section 24711 of title 49, United States Code, previously operated by Amtrak, the Secretary shall develop a program under which the Secretary may, at the Secretary’s discretion, provide grants for financial incentives to be provided to Amtrak employees who voluntarily terminate their employment with Amtrak and relinquish any legal rights to receive termination-related payments under any contractual agreement with Amtrak. ”

“ SPECIAL PASSENGER TRAINS. Amtrak is encouraged to increase the operation of special trains funded by, or in partnership with, private sector operators through competitive contracting to minimize the need for Federal subsidies. Amtrak shall utilize the provisions of section 24308 of title 49, United States Code, when necessary to obtain access to facilities, train and engine crews, or services of a rail carrier or regional transportation authority that are required to operate such trains. ”

“ Each director not employed by the United States Government shall be subject to the same travel and reimbursable business travel expense policies and guidelines that apply to Amtrak's executive management when performing Board duties. ”

“ An individual appointed under paragraph (1) (C) of this subsection shall be appointed for a term of 5 years. Such term may be extended until the individual's successor is appointed and qualified. Not more than 5 individuals appointed under paragraph (1) (C) may be members of the same political party. ` (4) The Board shall elect a chairman and a vice chairman, other than the President of Amtrak, from among its membership. The vice chairman shall serve as chairman in the absence of the chairman. ` (5) The Secretary may be represented at Board meetings by the Secretary's designee. ”

“ The plan shall include a projected timeline for restoring such service, the costs associated with restoring such service, and any proposals for legislation necessary to support such restoration of service. ”

“ CONFORMING AMENDMENT.— The chapter analysis for chapter 247, as amended by section 210, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 24710 the following: ‘‘24711. Alternate passenger rail service pilot program.’’. ”