Evidently, the URPA thinks it has a viable plan to insure the operation and financial stability of passenger-rail service in this country---in fact, to even improve upon it with minimal federal funding.
Can somebody fill us in on what the exact DETAILS of this plan are ?
From what I understand, the group thinks that present Amtrak MANAGEMENT and NOT the lack of funds is really at the "root" of Amtrak's possible demise.
Could this be true ?
To be honest, I do not know much about the present management "style" (for lack of a better word.)
I have always been under the impression that this country does not have a world-class passenger-rail system simply because one only gets what one PAYS for.
Has Amtrak's present management team made poor decisions and spent critical dollars foolishly ?
What does the URPA suggest that present Amtrak management has NOT considered ?
In a "nut-shell" , what does the URPA propose that is so "earth-shaking" ?
On the main page scroll down "The Selden Plan." There are several pages including supporting documents. Plan on spending a good deal of time, as it is quite involved.
However, it is not unreasonable to view this plan, as any other, with a critical eye. Generally I think their ideas are good, but I think they've got a few klinkers in there, too.
------------------ Trust God, love your neighbor, and never mistake opinion for truth. -Mr. Toy
URPA and NARP seem to have a difference of opinion. On the NARP website, they blame a "funding bias" by Congress and not Amtrak management. So who is right? Without the long distance trains Will Amtrak only operate in the NEC and California?
Posted by jimmymac (Member # 1182) on :
To TALKrr and Mr. Toy: I have been reading the Selden Plan on the URPA website. It appears that URPA has evidence that the long distance trains are revenue generators and can operate with less subsidy than the North East Corridor (NEC). They want to separate the NEC from the rest of the passenger rail service in the country. I am not an economist, nor am I a rail transportation expert, but it looks like Amtrak has been supporting the NEC at the expense of long distance trains. Mr. Warrington's statement that he will shut down long distance service and no mention of any cutbacks in the NEC seem to bear this out.