Interesting, because for charters and special trains, you can charge full cost (including a profit).

"Safe" and "on time" are (IMHO) to a big extent outside of Amtrak's control (except where Amtrak is the primary operator or owner of the line).

To me, it looks as if Amtrak is that much short on resources, that they are not able to make incremental profits, and with that reduce the need for subsidies. (resources does include wetware here…)