Edition: U.S. / Global  A New York Transit Rescuer Is Hired to
Revive Amtrak  Published: April 27, 2002   Mr. Gunn said his
first task would be to prepare a shutdown plan in case the money
ran out.  The national rail passenger system is ''near death,''
he said in a telephone interview. ''Physically and financially,
it's in terrible trouble.''  But, he added, he is committed to a
national rail system and believes he can secure the financing to
make the railroad run well.  Mr. Gunn, 64, was unanimously
approved by the Amtrak board on Thursday night. He replaces
George Warrington, who quit to become head of New Jersey
Transit.  Several Amtrak financing proposals are before
Congress, but the railroad's money will run out at the end of
the fiscal year on Sept. 30 if Congress does not act.  ''I want
a shutdown plan, so if the funding isn't there, at least you can
circle the wagons, and get the equipment in a safe place,'' Mr.
Gunn said.  Some experts have suggested that Amtrak drop
everything except service in the