Even though it receives billions in taxpayer subsidies, Amtrak is not governed like a public agency. It is a Corporation. As such, the Board of Directors does not (as far as I can tell) meet in public nor publish agendas/minutes. According to the unions, the Board classifies their meetings as “strategic retreats”.
This is not a good state of affairs. Without public meetings, it is difficult for members of the public to promote reform, or even know what decisions are being made. I think this is one reason the Amtrak Corporation has become so dysfunctional — and why it takes an Act of Congress to implement a pets policy, examine its losses on food sales, or provide bike access.
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We should implement a similar policy for the airlines.
Airlines at least have competition with each other. And airlines can go bankrupt if customers aren’t satisfied with the service.