RAILforum: Amtrak at 30

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Posted by Eric (Member # 674) on :

First of all, I'd like to congratulate Amtrak on 30 years of great service. It's been hard, but Amtrak has managed to break down political barriers, modernize itself, and provide a great way to get in touch with America. Happy birthday!
Now, I'd like to hear any comments about new ideads for Amtrak in the 21st century. It can be anything from a new menu item to new equipment or routes.

Posted by lakeshorelimited (Member # 576) on :

Yes! Happy birthday, Amtrak! We hope to see many more.

Here are my Amtrak birthday wishlists: (Probably won't happen, but I can always wish)
1. Add a route from Buffalo, NY to Boston! The lakeshore is only one train, and there should be at least two! (The Berkshire Flyer has a nice ring to it!)
2. A direct route from Chicago and Upstate NY to Hartford and Lower CT.. Missing out on a market here, Amtrak!! Perhaps split the LSL in Springfield, MA?
3. DOME CARS!!!! Why'd they get rid of them? What a cool car!
4. Don't eliminate the long distance trains!
5. I know this is really pushing it, but it'd be great if the Feds would subsidize the building of new rail devoted completely to Amtrak trains. Then the freight lines would have to ask Amtrak if they can use Amtrak-owned lines! Cost? I know.. hundreds of millions of dollars. But if high speed rail is the future, Amtrak needs it's own rails. Oh and wait.. didn't the interstate highway system cost BILLIONS to build? Not to mention BILLIONS to maintain since they were built! OK.. i'm done now.
-Tim

Posted by MPALMER (Member # 125) on :

In the past, Amtrak received a "benefit" from the gasoline shortages in the mid 70s and late 70s, because the rising gas prices forced people to consider the train as an alternative.

History could repeat itself. If we do end up with a stressful summer, energy-wise, I would hope the powers-that-be recognize the value that Amtrak has, in that it can transport people in a relatively fuel efficient manner. If gas goes to $3 a gallon (as some papers in the west have predicted), Amtrak fares won't seem so high, even if they add an airline-style fuel surcharge.

Posted by Mr. Toy (Member # 311) on :

My vision for Amtrak in the 21st century:

A minumum of two daily trains on every long distance route, spaced about 8 hours apart to allow daytime service to those cities now served in the wee hours of the morning.
A tight grid of routes all across the country at least as extensive as the interstate highway system.
High speed rail in heavily traveled corridors. Conventional rail to feed the high speed routes.
No Throughway bus rides longer than 90 minutes from the nearest Amtrak station.
Plush upholstry in Superliner sightseer lounges more along the lines of the club cars of the '40s. Vinyl seats and bare metal floors on the lower level must go!
The highest level of customer service in the travel industry. Amtrak should set the standard against which all other service providers will be measured.
Phones in every car. Maybe even wireless internet access.
Smooth track for a comfortable ride wherever Amtrak may go.

I'm sure I'll think of other ideas after I go to bed.

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Trust God, love your neighbor, and never mistake opinion for truth.
-Mr. Toy

Posted by TALKrr (Member # 683) on :

All GREAT suggestions , in my opinion.

I have been very "down" lately related to Amtrak's future---or should I say LACK thereof. (Again , my opinion.) I am just extremely concerned.

To be honest, I will be thrilled if Amtrak survives in its PRESENT state. At least there woould continue to be SOME long-distance passenger rail service !!

I had a question related to the proposed bond issue that is at the back of everyone's mind. If it PASSES (by some wild stroke of luck), how would this impact the 2003 "dead-line" that Congress has imposed ?

Many in Congress speak of this "great debate" that must come about to determine if America really WANTS (and will finance)a true "re-birth" of passenger-rail. WHEN is this to begin , two weeks before the 2003 "dead-line ?"

IF Amtrak IS able to manage a "rebirth" , is there any ONE individual who someone thinks will be the "driving-force ?"

If I understand things correctly then , Amtrak will remain "operational" until at LEAST the year 2003 ?

Lastly, the ARC has already proposed a "scenario" for reorganization in its latest reports , correct ? Will it issue FURTHER suggestions , or will Congress attempt to consider those already proposed ?

My main concern , and I am certain some of you share it , it that MONTHS of time will be necessary to plan new operational procedures for the "new" passenger-rail system----IF there is even to BE one. When does this all START ?? This is going to be a SLOW and TEDIOUS process , don't you think ? So again, when does this "GREAT DEBATE" start and who in Congress will insist that it DOES ??

Posted by aboz (Member # 599) on :

It's sad whe NBC says Amtrak is the fleecing of America. Albeit it's true. I mean what company looses money for 30 years and survives? I work in the brokerage industry, and if Amtrak was a public company they would be gone a long time ago. That said I am a disabled indivdual and for me the only option for me is the train (as far as accessibility). I travel from Rochester to NYC on a fairly often basis. It's difficult for me to take a cab fron JFK to Penn Station. I go to Long Island a lot as well. I sincerely enjoy the train. The staff is superb. I just hope that they get restructured and more efficient. I sure would hate to see them gone.

Alex

Posted by Mr. Toy (Member # 311) on :

quote:
Originally posted by aboz:
It's sad whe NBC says Amtrak is the fleecing of America. Albeit it's true. I mean what company looses money for 30 years and survives?

State highway departments lose billions every year. You've never heard of a highway that was profitable, have you? But we don't define the value of highways by their profitability, so why do we insist on defining the value of Amtrak that way? We have trouble with this concept because we expect the railroads to work the same way every other transportation system works, forgetting they are structured differently.

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Trust God, love your neighbor, and never mistake opinion for truth.
-Mr. Toy