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» RAILforum » Passenger Trains » Amtrak » Fred Frailey and the Grinch

   
Author Topic: Fred Frailey and the Grinch
yukon11
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A discussion between Fred Frailey and Randal O'Toole, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute:

https://is.gd/SAJLkS

A number of things, mentioned by Mr. O'Toole, that I have a disagreement with.

An Amazon "Empire Builder", Microsoft "Coast Starlight", and JP Morgan Chase "Acela". Well, an interesting thought.

As far as an American version of the Rocky Mountaineer, I would start with Seattle-Portland to Glacier Park. Then possibly the Bay Area to Denver.

Richard

Posts: 1909 | From: Santa Rosa | Registered: Jan 2004  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
Gilbert B Norman
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Here is an earlier topic regarding Mr. O'Toole and his thoughts regarding passenger rail:

http://www.railforum.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi/topic/11/8482.html

Posts: 9977 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
yukon11
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Mr. O'Toole does has a lot of interesting thoughts. Even though a bus may be able to move people just a fast as a commuter or medium distance train, with low maintenance and a cheaper ticket, I still don't see a bus as an adequate substitution. I guess time will tell if self driving cars will become popular, but I think that it will be a while before that technology becomes widespread and safe.

If there are tracks going to suburbs and small towns, I still wonder if P-Trak cars and DMU trains could play a role. Possibly a Microsoft P-Trak or a JP Morgan Chase DMU.

Richard

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George Harris
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There is a complete lack of reality if anyone thinks a bus will take the place of discontinued long distance trains. Ask Grayhound. When I last checked, considering using a bus over a route that was reasonably served some 20+ years ago, the answer was rediculous. What was direct was now roundabout with a couple of changes taking nearly twice as long as before.
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yukon11
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I do agree with you, George, and don't understand why Mr. O'Toole thinks a bus could take the place of a long distance or even a medium distance passenger train. I thought the proposed Albuquerque to Dodge City bus link was ridiculous. I think Amtrak thruway buses serve a purpose for getting to the train station, but it sometimes is easier and faster to go by automobile.

Richard

Posts: 1909 | From: Santa Rosa | Registered: Jan 2004  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
   

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