Amtrak

The National Railroad Passenger Corporation, known simply as Amtrak, serves as the backbone of intercity rail travel across the United States. Since its founding in 1971, this quasi-public entity has connected communities from coast to coast, operating services in every contiguous state except Wyoming and South Dakota while also reaching into three Canadian provinces. The name itself blends America and track, reflecting a mission to keep the nation moving on rails. Managed as a for-profit organization despite receiving federal and state subsidies, the company runs out of Washington D.C., just steps away from Union Station.[edit]