Carl Fowler pretty much expressed my observations concerning Mr. Boardman. Guess I won’t get any pro Boardman “four stars” for this comment.
MR FOWLER,
Boardman spoke at the annual meeting and lunch of the Empire State Passenger Association in Schenectady NY a few years ago. That was very much appreciated! As for the expanded Acelas, a big disappointment but my understanding was that the cost of Bombardier building new additional coaches was too steep. A specialized yet tiny order (compare to commuter coaches and subways cars) doesn’t make for good economics. Obviously from the get go those train-sets should have been two cars longer, based on foreign experience with high speed corridors of the NEC’s population.
When public services are described as “money losing” or “unprofitable” the debate is already lost. Public services aren’t supposed to be run for profit, but for the benefit of the public. Why don’t we describe the fire department or public schools as money losing. Passenger trains are a public service and need public support. They reduce pollution, urban sprawl, traffic congestion. They provide transportation options for people with disabilities, inability to drive or fly. Let’s reframe the debate.
Mr. Kurland you are hauling out all the old sick arguments that railfans and rail supporters like to use but are not true. There is no proof that passenger trains reduce pollution and urban sprawl. People want to live in the suburbs where they can have a yard, better schools and reduced crime. Jobs and retail businesses came after them. Certainly a fully loaded train hauling 250 passengers would reduce air pollution to some degree but what about the North Carolina train I rode a couple of weeks ago that had no more than 20 passengers for the 3 hour (plus 1 hour delay) trip from Raleigh to Charlotte. That locomotive gobbled up more fuel and emitted more exhaust than even if those passengers each drove their own cars not to mention sitting for an hour 5 minutes outside the Charlotte station while the dispatcher figured out what to do with the NS freight that was sitting in front of us. And, here in Maine the Downeaster has done nothing to relieve traffic congestion. The southern end of the Maine Turnpike is still jammed bumper to bumper on Sunday afternoons in the summer because people want their cars for the convenience. This may be different in large cities but in rural and smaller cities their is no traffic congestion relief due to passenger trains. I don’t buy the argument that the elderly and people with disabilities are better off on the train. Too may obstacles while on a plane, at least at airports with jetways,it is far easier to get into your seat.
Let’s hope the next Amtrak president has the foresight to concentrate his/her resources on the NEC and midwestern and California corridors where passenger trains are needed and used.
Mr. McGuire, Your judgement from your one recent experience on Amtrak between Raleigh and Charlotte should not be used to judge it’s everyday use or operation. Like everything in life, sh-- happens !
The I-95 corridor to Florida and the southeast, definitely have a need for Amtrak service, and the Auto-Train has been well used and successful.
BJ;
I am aware that Bpsrdman has spoken to regional advocacy meetings and obviously that is good, but my observation stands.
The add on Acela car order was funded and if it had been completed we should be in the delivery phase, as no new technology was involved. Whether it was too costly depends both on how long the sets will be used (Amfleet I cars date from 1973–1978), and on whether and when the new equipment will actually arrive. If the Viewliner II order is predictive that will be well after 2020.
A further note on services like the Vermonter. Since the PRIAA Act all regional services under 750 miles depend solely on state funding. Amtrak and the NEC no longer find such trains.
Joe Biden is the best friend Amtrak ever had. He would be terrific as Head of operations. Savvy and connections can go a long way to speeding problem solving. And he has the patience and demeanor to deal with whack jobs like Mica from Florida, to say nothing of Montana Morons.
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL, A GOODNIGHT !!!
Wow, just imagine how Washington would react with one of its legendary personalities in command of Amtrak! I really can’t imagine how Amtrak could do better. Could things be falling into place for such a time as this?