The FAST Act Section 11307 charged DOT to establish a Competitive Passenger Rail Service Pilot Program for the competitive selection of eligible petitioners in lieu of Amtrak to operate not more than three long‑distance routes for a period of four years (DOT may renew the operation for an additional four years).

FRA published the final rule establishing the Competitive Passenger Rail Service Pilot Program on July 7, 2017.  The final rule is effective on September 5, 2017.

The timeline below represents the maximum timeframe for the process set forth in the final rule. The 30‑day publishing period, the 120-day bid window, and the 270-day timeline to execute a contract will occur sooner if a petition is submitted prior to the final day of the petition window.

The chart below lists the maximum operating subsidy amounts available to non-Amtrak bidders.