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Today's Journal, in a Journal Report section (sometimes with Features, the jailer forgets to lock up), has a transcript of a panel discussion regarding all modes, present and planned, of passenger rail:
Here is a Fair Use quotation with regards to Amtrak Long Distance trains; the panel consensus is that if it is to continue, there need be a commitment of continual public funding:
..The Future of Amtrak WSJ: Does it make sense to keep putting money into existing Amtrak rail lines, which are government-subsidized and often shared with freight?
MR. PUENTES:America’s passenger rail network is really made up of two types of routes: those less than 400 miles and those greater than 400 miles. The former typically enjoy direct state support and always serve at least one large metropolitan area. The latter represent the “geographic equity” portion of the network....If Congress wants to continue serving rural areas with passenger rail, it needs to recognize it as “geographic equity” and not expect it to run “like a business.”
MR. FEIGENBAUM: With three other modes (aviation, intercity bus and passenger vehicles), I don’t see the wisdom in subsidizing a fourth mode when the other three are largely (although not totally) unsubsidized....
MR. KUNZ: I hate to point out the obvious, but all transportation is subsidized. ....
Ocala Mike Member # 4657
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Going on a trip to SLC, Utah to visit son's family, so I won't be active on here until the 1st of the month or so.
Just wanted to say that Trumpism doesn't seem to be slowing down looking at these special elections, and I'm now very pessimistic about the future of certain aspects of Amtrak. Thanks for the post, Gil.
PullmanCo Member # 1138
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Amtrak's point of risk is simple: The Administration wants to zap many programs across HHS, Ed, Trans, Commerce, Labor, Ag, Interior...
Congresscritters can fight only so many battles. Amtrak is a tiny bit in the grand scheme of programs. The LD fleet serves a small number of cities with a vitamin formula (1 a Day). Is battling for Amtrak worth the time of a Congresscritter fighting other battles?
Be prepared folks. Adios drumheads are not unrealistic.
Vincent206 Member # 15447
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Amtrak just announced that it is building a new $28 million locomotive service facility in Seattle. I'm sure that most of the work will be done on locos for the Cascades trains and contract work for Sound Transit, but the Starlight and Empire Builder will also contribute to the work being planned for the new facility. Do Amtrak execs have more confidence in the future of the LD network than Mr. PullmanCo?
George Harris Member # 2077
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Reports of the near death of Amtrak have been proclaimed many times its life of now 46 years. The ONLY real cut in route structure came under Jimmy Carter. Amtrak is a miniscule portion of the Federal expenditures so unless we have some congress critter that thinks he can make some points with his constituency by calling for its demise I think it will mostly be flying under the radar.
Vincent206 Member # 15447
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Question: who was the most famous congress critter who thought he could make points with his constituency by bashing Amtrak?
Answer: former congress critter John Mica (R-FL)
I don't closely follow Florida politics, but maybe his constituents wanted him to concentrate on issues more important than Amtrak.
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