Despite the "Micascope" and other assorted distractions, Amtrak has received annual Federal appropriations in the $1.1-1.2B range for the past several years.
While likely there will be a distortion owing to uninsured losses and lost revenue from Frankford Jct. (any guesses what the current incident will become known as?), but unrelated to such, where does the money go?
As my years in the railroad industry become ever more distant, my thoughts are more speculation than authorative, but I will "throw out the first pitch" with $300M for LD losses, another 300 to support the excess of a bureaucracratic administration of that of a like sized private sector concern, and the remaining for NEC infrastructure improvements.
Other thoughts, anyone?
Posted by palmland (Member # 4344) on :
According to summary numbers I came across for 2012 (included in the 2014 Budget Request Justification) - page 11, the breakdown by business line was ($Millions):
NEC Operations Rev. $1121 Exp. $817 Cash $304
State Supported Rev. $618 Exp. $769 Cash ($151)
Long Distance Rev. $557 Exp. $1115 Cash ($559)
Commuter Rev. $130 Exp. $128 Cash $3
NEC Infrastructure Rev. $201 Exp. $236 Cash $@5
Corporate Asset Development Rev.$216 Exp.$147 Cash $69
And another $30M both revenue and expenses for 'Other'. Have no idea what if anything the last two business lines do but appears to be mostly planning and support of the line operations. It's not actual capital expenses for NEC. It's not clear if administrative costs are buried in the line item figures.
Posted by yukon11 (Member # 2997) on :
In 2009 we had an 800 billion "stimulus" bill for which money was to go to rebuilding schools, bridges, roads, etc. It was, really, a bill for infrastructure spending. However, the money was misspent and much of it was diverted to political targets.
In 2013, it was determined, for the previous 6 years, that US infrastructure spending was 3.3% of GDP. Europe, as a whole, spent 3.1% on infrastructure. Only Canada and one other country spent more of its GDP for infrastructure (3.6%).
I'm all for greater Amtrak infrastructure spending. If it's possible to PTC every track that Amtrak runs on, let's do it.
However, whenever you have infrastructure spending, I think you need to follow the money.
Richard
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Richard, I expressed this same concern at another site immediately after ARRA 09 (Stimulus) was enacted:
I commend your balanced thoughts that what Amtrak gets from Congress should be directed to infrastructure, and not to frivolities such as transforming the LD'S into something resembling "The Canadian", where to me why the Canadian taxpayers are willing to support such nonsense escapes me.
Posted by yukon11 (Member # 2997) on :
Thanks for going into the archives, Mr. Norman. Glad you could, back then, get around the rigmarole and to the basics.
Well, maybe if the Canadian can get 6 or 7 grand for Prestige Class sleepers, Toronto to Vancouver, perhaps they can go private.
Richard
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
The Micascope just might find itself on the shelf gathering dust, as apparently this race for Florida’s 7th CD is considered competitive.