Reauthorization of Amtrak, including significant increases in capital appropriations, became effective on October 16, 2008.  The legislation requires Amtrak, FRA, the Surface Transportation Board (STB), and affected states to establish standards and metrics to measure the performance and service quality of intercity passenger trains. The legislation also affords expanded authority to the STB to conduct non-binding mediation of disputes between freight railroads and commuter operators seeking access to freight corridors for the provision of passenger service.  The STB held a hearing on its new responsibilities on February 11, 2009.  A list of the speakers at that hearing is available here.  The written testimonies provided in advance of the hearing are available here.