Train EATS Act
Sponsored By: Representative Cohen
In Committee
Summary
Requires Amtrak to offer both traditional table-service dining and a more affordable food and beverage option on overnight routes. The bill sets rules to open unused dining seats to coach passengers and to make healthy and diet-compliant meals available by preorder.
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- Coach passengers can buy any traditional dining capacity not used by First Class or Business Class on a first-come, first-served basis for a fee on routes with traditional dining. This expands meal access beyond premium ticket holders.
- All passengers on covered overnight routes must have access to an alternative food and beverage service that is more affordable than traditional dining. This creates a lower-cost option for travelers who do not use table service.
- Traditional dining must include a healthy meal option that matches the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and allow passengers to preorder meals that meet dietary restrictions.
- The Secretary of Transportation must issue regulations to implement these requirements and the law applies to routes that depart and arrive on different dates.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Transportation Department rules for Amtrak dining
The Transportation Department would write rules to carry out these dining requirements. The rules would set how Amtrak offers traditional dining, cheaper options, dietary accommodations, and coach access to unused seating. Details would be decided in that rulemaking.
More dining choices on overnight Amtrak
If enacted, Amtrak would need to try to offer sit-down dining on overnight routes. All passengers would also get a cheaper food option. Traditional dining would include at least one healthy meal choice. If you are offered dining and pre-order, your dietary needs would be met. Unused seats after First and Business would be sold to coach riders for a fee, first-come, first-served.
Which routes and meals qualify for dining
Covered routes would mean trips that leave one day and arrive another. Traditional dining would mean table service in a dining car with wait staff. A healthy meal option would follow the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. These definitions would decide which trips and meals must follow the new rules.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Cohen
TN • D
Cosponsors
Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2]
LA • D
Sponsored 1/14/2025
Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10]
NJ • D
Sponsored 1/15/2025
Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12]
NJ • D
Sponsored 1/15/2025
Johnson (GA)
GA • D
Sponsored 1/21/2025
Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1]
NV • D
Sponsored 1/21/2025
Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6]
MA • D
Sponsored 2/25/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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