Operation of basic system

§ 24701. Operation of basic system (a) By Amtrak.—Amtrak shall provide intercity rail passenger transportation within the basic system unless the transportation is provided by— (1) a rail carrier with which Amtrak did not make a contract under section 401(a) of the Rail Passenger Service Act; or (2) a regional transportation authority under contract with Amtrak. (b) By Others With Consent of Amtrak.—Except as provided in section 24306 of this title, a person may provide intercity rail passenger transportation over a route over which Amtrak provides scheduled intercity rail passenger transportation under a contract under section 401(a) of the Act only with the consent of Amtrak.