independent federal agency, created in 1970. Amtrak provides a national rail transportation system through its intercity rail passenger service. It operates 212 trains a day, on average, dealing with over 540 stations on a route system that covers about 24,500 route miles. It employs about 25,000 people, and transports about 22 million people annually (in fiscal year 1994). Although it earns significant revenues, it cannot survive without a subsidy from the federal government.