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As posted on TrainWeb, a report has been published into improving Amtrak (http://www.trainweb.com/urpa/pubs/reorganize/index.htm). Basically, one of the underlying suggestions is for Amtrak to look at their routes and some matrix theory.
An example is the Southwest Chief. They reckon that, subject to passenger levels staying the same over the years, the Southwest Chief daily ridership could increase from just over 200 per day to over 1200 (yes, six times over) by simply splitting the train at strategic points and feeding other city pairs. One such split would be at Barstow where a portion would go over Tehachapi and up to Oakland. (I bet the railfans would love that!).
On the same site, it also mentions that following the derailments last week, Amtrak now have insufficient cars to operate a full service.
So, how about injecting a few (b?)millions into Amtrak, tell them to alter their routes, and to repair all the cars they've got idle?
Geoff Mayo.
Posts: 2426 | From: Apple Valley, CA | Registered: Sep 2000
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The whole question of Amtrak routings and service SHOULD HAVE BEEN (should still be) the result of fully professional, comprehensive, well-funded MARKET RESEARCH to find out (1) who potential passengers are (2) where they are and (3) where they want to go. The results should guide ALL service and routing decisions; Amtrak's still relying too much on past train-service patterns. EXAMPLE: How about Auto-Trains from Chicago to Denver and/or Grand Canyon? Circus loading should be superceded by self-drive-on, two-level, moveable platforms which could 'snuggle up' to autorack cars. Multiple stops would be practical. Even if such service attracts only 1% of auto drivers, there would be substantial business! How about Chicago-Nashville-Atlanta ? Twin Cities-Omaha to south and west? Birmingham-Memphis has been suggested. Here at home we have the Lehigh Valley and N.E. PA areas + NY Southern Tier: No trains. Where's a demand? The trains should follow!
Posts: 57 | From: Allentown, PA, USA | Registered: Mar 2001
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I read the URPA report a few months ago. It certainly provides much food for thought. Every member of Congress should read it.
If I remember correctly, the report stated that for Amtrak to turn a profit the company would have to have to triple its passenger-miles. To attract that many passengers the network would require major expansion of the route structure. Tell that to anyone who says Amtrak needs to cut back its routes to save money.
------------------ Trust God, love your neighbor, and never mistake opinion for truth. -Mr. Toy
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