http://www.amtrak.com/ccurl/353/907/NEC_Investment_Crisis_ATK-13-033.pdf
Some highlights.
Boardman says that without funds NEC capacity outlook grim.
.2. Planned start on WASH expansion this year
Capacity improvements PHL & BAL will start 2014.
Hopes to start new HSR train set initial procurement ??
Needs minimum of $2.0B to keep NEC at present level of SOGR. (good repair) not all in good repair
Portal bridge is having almost constant maintenance and take 4 persons to operate this swing breidge.
The 6 highest loss LD trains if discontinued would all be the trains west of the Mississippi river.
The testimony shows that Boardman “gets it” in terms of the NEC and what Amtrak’s mission is. The NEC is THE vital, relevant thing that Amtrak owns.
The LD map trick looks like it’s in there to help keep the conversation from turning from the NEC focus and to keep the political “ducks” in a row.
The 6 highest loss LD trains if discontinued would all be the trains west of the Mississippi river.
I still wonder why there is no middle ground on this… It’s always all six and status quo vs. none at all.
Yes, Joe Boardman did focus on the Northeast Corridor. But he also pointed out that a number of long distance trains use the Northeast Corridor and the NEC is very much part of the coast to coast and border to border service.
Bed time reading only will take about 4 days. This is the FRA 2014 budget estimates. —
http://www.dot.gov/sites/dot.dev/files/docs/FRA_FY2014_Budget_Estimates.pdf
Current Passenger Rail Service 2,700,000
Rail Service Improvement Program 3,660,000