General authority

§ 24504. General authority (a) General.—Amtrak Commuter may— (1) acquire, operate, maintain, and make contracts for the operation of equipment and facilities necessary for commuter rail passenger transportation; (2) conduct research and development related to the mission of Amtrak Commuter; and (3) issue common stock to Amtrak. (b) Operation and Control.—To the extent consistent with this part and with an agreement with a commuter authority, Amtrak Commuter shall operate and control all aspects of the commuter rail passenger transportation it provides. (c) Agreement To Avoid Duplicating Employee Functions.—To the maximum extent practicable, Amtrak Commuter and Amtrak shall make an agreement that avoids duplicating employee functions and voluntarily establishes a consolidated work force.