Mail, express, and auto-ferry transportation

§ 24306. Mail, express, and auto-ferry transportation (a) Actions To Increase Revenues.—Amtrak shall take necessary action to increase its revenues from the transportation of mail and express. To increase its revenues, Amtrak may provide auto-ferry transportation as part of the basic passenger transportation authorized by this part. When requested by Amtrak, a department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States Government shall assist in carrying out this section. (b) Authority of Others To Provide Auto-Ferry Transportation.—(1) A person primarily providing auto-ferry transportation and any other person not a rail carrier may provide auto-ferry transportation over any route under a certificate issued by the Interstate Commerce Commission if the Commission finds that the auto-ferry transportation— (A) will not impair the ability of Amtrak to reduce its losses or increase its revenues; and (B) is required to meet the public demand. (2) A rail carrier that has not made a contract with Amtrak to provide rail passenger transportation may provide auto-ferry transportation over its own rail lines. (3) State and local laws and regulations that impair the provision of auto-ferry transportation do not apply to Amtrak or a rail carrier providing auto-ferry transportation. A rail carrier may not refuse to participate with Amtrak in providing auto-ferry transportation because a State or local law or regulation makes the transportation unlawful.