RAILforum: Amtrak Mail/Express Trains

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Posted by DC2001 (Member # 542) on :

Can anyone explain the FRA decision that permitted Amtrak to carry mail/express traffic? Specifically, I've read about a 30-car limit, but I've never heard an explanation. Does this limit include all cars - passenger and express - or just the latter? It must not apply to Auto Train, which runs with 40 or so cars. Does anyone know if the Three Rivers or any other train regularly operates at 30 cars?

In addition, many persons have commented on the problems getting the Skyline Connection and other express-driven trains started. Barring cooperation from frieght railroads, could Amtrak not - under existing operating agreements - simply operate a second section of current trains to effectively double that route's express-traffic capacity. This was once a not uncommon practice for sold-out trains during peak (holiday) travel periods. While both sections would necessairily follow the same route within, say, 15 minutes of each other, would they not then be considered the same train? If so, would the freight railroad not be compelled to accept this operation without amending it's operating agreement with Amtrak?

The application is obvious - instead of the Skyline Connection, express cars would instead be carried on a second section of the Pennsylvanian. When the express-driven Pioneer was first proposed a few years back, Union Pacific (in opposition) questioned why Amtrak didn't just run a second section of the California Zephyr instead.

Posted by John Toth (Member # 20) on :

This IS an interesting thought. However, it DOES eliminate the possibility of a train that follows a time-schedule that is different.

One of the main reasons that the Skyline appeals to me is that it's schedule offers a NIGHT train east from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia , which does not exist at the present time. Also, the schedule WEST from Pittsburgh would be different also. It is nice to have a different choice of trains available over the same route. But, I guess hundreds of people have the same wish as mine.

In Pennsylvania , there is a HUGE difference between Amtrak service WEST and EAST of Harrisburg. As many of you may know, the track EAST from Harrisburg is designated as a CORRIDOR , and all electrified. At LEAST 15 trains a day leave Harrisburg Eastward to Philly and NYC , and arrive in Harrisburg from those cities (the Keystone service.)

In comparison, TWO trains leave Pittsburgh to Harrisburg , and two head westward from there.

In my opinion, there is simply no excuse for this. Sate legislators certainly are aware that the Western part of the state is not served NEARLY as well as the Eastern part.

When states offer Amtrak funds for service within, there should be a stipulation that the SERVICE be "equalized."

Amtrak service in Pennsylvania is GREAT---but only if you live in Harrisburg, Philadelphia or points in between.

If I recall, the track between Harrisburg and Pittsburgh has now been designated as a FUTURE corridor. But I most certainly will NOT be "holding my breath." I think the entire national corridor initiative is nothing but a big "joke." Why it would take BILLIONS and BILLIONS of dollars to develop and maintain , and YEARS of time to do so. Also, I hear NO talk of freight opposition to the whole idea and we know how powerful THAT lobby is.

To be honest, I think Amtrak's "death-warrant" was "signed, sealed, and delivered" when Congress stipulated that Amtrak needs to be self-sufficient financially by 2003.

Posted by reggierail (Member # 26) on :

In reply to DC2001, the 30 car limit includes all cars on the train. The SW Chief often runs with close to 30 cars, almost 20 of them Mail & express. Reggie

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