Amttrak to Assist in Katrina Evacuations?

Trains Magazine General Discussion
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Amtrak lines could be used to evacuate NO residents

By Sylvain Metz
smetz@clarionledger.com

MERIDIAN — An evacuation plan via Amtrak train for New Orleans residents trapped by Hurricane Katrina’s devastation and floodwaters is being worked out by Amtrak president David Gunn, Meridian Mayor John Robert Smith said today.

Smith, who is former Amtrak chairman, said the plan also would possibly use three national freight lines to evacuate New Orleans residents.

If the plan can be worked out, New Orleans residents trapped by the storm could be evacuated to the west by lines operated by Union Pacific Railroad and Canadian National-Illinois Central Railroad - or to the north by freight lines operated by Norfolk Southern Railroad.

Gunn also is considering using Amtrak’s Crescent line from New York to New Orleans. That line is clear to Slidell, La., Smith said, but Amtrak officials will have to evaluate the bridge just south of Slidell over Lake Pontchartrain, Smith said.

Smith said he’s discussed Gunn’s plan this morning with U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., and Bill Gottshall, chief of staff for U.S. Sen. Trent Lott, R-Miss.

Smith said they will present the plan to Federal Emergency Management Agency officials through the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency.

Amtrak spokesmen said Wednesday there is no formal plan to use its trains to evacuate Katrina’s victims from New Orleans.

“I can’t confirm personal conversations between a current Amtrak president and a former Amtrak president,” said Amtrak spokeswoman Marci Golgoski.

From Jackson Clarion Ledger

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I’m glad some people with the authority are taking an intelligent pro-active planning regarding the use of rail in this terrible disaster.

I just listened to various U.S Secretaries in a press conference and when Mineta came on, he didn’t mention anything about rail which was rather frustrating and puzzling. He did remove the maximum amount of time a trucker can be on the road but the best way to move the amount of petroleum to the areas that they can get to is by a tank train and keep the trucks available for short distance pick ups between distribution centers and the transloading facilities.

I don’t want to be sounding political because it would be grossly inappropriate but I have to wonder why does it appear that they are not utilizing ALL of the transportation modes for the relief effort?

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I read that an estimated 80% of the 480,000 residents of New Orleans left before the storm. That means up to 80,000 have to leave if the mandatory evacuation order is fully implemented. That is a massive movement of people and by any mode will require a huge amount of equipment. Consider first, that a place , or several places will have to be established and provisioned as a reasonably safe place to stay. Perhaps military bases might be a start as these have a certain infrastructure in place.

Then it will be necessary to move 80,000 people. If a rail passenger car can hold 100 people that is 800 cars. Can Amtrak come up with even 80 cars? Not that everybody could be loaded and moved at one time on any circumstances, but if eight 20 car trains could be built, each train would still have to make 5 trips.

What ever is done will be extraordinary. Hopefully, there are some people in place to be able to plan and execute what may be for this country one of the largest relocations of people in our history.

Jay

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Using Amtrak is really not an issue. No matter what means of transportation is used to take people out of the area, the people still have to reach it. The next 2 days are critical for getting people out of the flooded area, because without water more people will die.

Right now survivors need direction about where to go to reach clean water. Transportation is the next step.

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Andrew,

I’d venture to guess that the folks on the scene, directing the operations are considering all means available to move people out and supplies in, and will use the appropriate methods to do that. Since they are closer to the action and have a better handle on what that situation is, perhaps giving them benefit of the doubt, vice stick and rudder from Ontario might be in order. If you you feel that strongly about applying rail to situations like this, then get a job with the Canadian version of FEMA…

If Amtrak has a role to play, then DOT will press whatever is asked of it in to the mix. If not, then they won’t. It’s not just rolling stock, it’s track capacity and what the best use of the rail is.

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remember also that several hundred miles of track has been flooded. Even as the water receeds, it all has to be evaluated to determine what repairs must be made to make the track safe to use - let alone carry passenger equipment on it.

dd

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They’re talking about using 450 buses to move people from the Super Dome to the Astrodome. I imagine buses will be employed for the most part for other evacuations. We’re a highway oriented culture now. And the freight railroads have their hands full now with their own problems.

May God have mercy on the people facing this horrible situation.