Amtrak probably needs to be part-privatized.
The genius of Britain’s rail privatization wasn’t that it made the trains any better or more profitable or faster or more on time or anything like that. In fact, a lot of britons miss British Rail (though they do in my experience see it with rose tinted glasses…)
No, the genius was in realizing that it took politics out of funding. The same system is still subsidized, but now private entities are lobbying politicians to keep the money flowing, and prior opponents, such as the long distance bus and air industries, are neutered (they run trains too now!), and it all looks on the level because everyone who gets a subsidy competed with others to promote the “lowest bid”.
Unfortunately, with the rails themselves in private hands and with the railroads having no legal obligations to work with anyone other than Amtrak, the chances of this happening in the US is virtually non-existent.
Excuse me, but who the hell is Steve Sobel to say that enough has been said on this issue (or any issue for that matter?)
Over the last 30 days it has been in the news that Obama has promised financial help to Ukraine and Eastern European country(s). Now they may need the help or not but my point is Washington bureaucrats quickly gave money or guarantees of financial help outside our country but forget Amtrak. Obviously these politicians can afford first class seats on an airplane or have themselves driven around in cars. We average Americans who are now retired and want to travel are tired of the craziness of airplanes and airports and do not want to drive long distances. More money should be given to Amtrak to help it update its equipment and some kind of pressure on the freight RR to improve their service to Amtrak. A progressive country that is concerned about good transportation alternatives should be promoting rail travel !
American voters: Are you aware that when it comes to making cuts in the Nat’l Budget, it’s usually Amtrak that’s first in line? After 40+ years, Amtrak still runs, wouldn’t you think by now our Congress or those in Congress who are solely out to kill Amtrak need to move on with more important budget items these days?
This is all a waste of YOUR tax money! Simply vote those out who fail to address those issues that are much more important than worrying about Amtrak that equates to 0.3% of the National Budget!
Enough said here on this issue!
These are the same republicans that will spend TRILLIONS on wars that we cannot win and then fall all over themselves to beat up the defenseless Amtrak to not spent a couple of million.
This mindset continues to bug the hell out of me! The Federal Government made the commitment to take over intercity passenger rail service back in 1971 from the class I railroads. Make the necessary investments. No public transportation pays for itself. If the airlines had to truly “pay” their way then you can imagine how high air fares would be! Ridership continues to climb and more people are using Amtrak. My wife and I always take an annual long distance Amtrak trip and it sure beats flying! Mr. Sessions needs to wake up and actually ride an Amtrak train maybe!!!
this is the typical train of thought . excuse the pun of the republicans
There are many honorable members of Congress and then those members that propose anti-Amtrak items are not positively intentioned and are detrimental to positive thinking about USA rail service. Such legislation puts Amtrak and the USA at a disadvantage to the furtherance of the US high speed rail (HSR) program. The naysayers also retard the strengthening of the non-HSR infrastructure that will feed and provide the HSR ridership which needs to be dramatically encouraged.