Amtrak

Founded in 1971 by Richard Nixon and Congress, Amtrak’s birth was akin to a reluctant embrace of an aging institution; it’s the result of the government’s noble attempt to save America's flailing passenger rail service from the brink of oblivion. Known for its unique ability to make even the simplest journey a test of endurance, Amtrak has become synonymous with "the scenic route"—sometimes literal, sometimes a slow crawl across a barren wasteland of railway. Defining moments include the introduction of the Acela Express in 2000, a high-speed train that promised to revolutionize travel but often makes one nostalgic for the days when "fast" was just a relative term. With a valuation that's more "in the red" than "in the black," Amtrak has amassed a modest portfolio of awards for its service and infrastructure improvements. However, its history isn’t without controversy; from endless debates over federal subsidies to infamous delays that could test the patience of a saint. Under CEO Stephen Gardner, the service continues to limp along, occasionally flaunting its shiny new trains while maintaining its role as the underdog of American transportation—a charming relic clinging to the rails of history.