U.S. government-owned passenger train service established in 1971 and operated by The National Railroad Passenger Corporation. The government found it necessary to establish the service after a decline in passenger train services hampered intercity traveling. The corporation is heavily regulated by the government and all preferred stock is owned by the government. Amtrak travels to 48 states and parts of Canada. The name Amtrak was formed from the combination of the words American and Track.