Freight train interference? Last time I checked moving freight over our nation’s rail network was vital to our economy. A delay to a passenger train isn’t going to cause a major disruption to the economy. These passenger trains operate on freight railroad’s tracks. They still have all of their own trains to run and have to contend with numerous delays and crews expiring on the hours of service because there is an Amtrak train within 50 miles. If shippers have unnecessary delays to their products, they find other means of shipping. This ends up being at their expense because multiple trucks will cost more than shipping by rail.
We seem to forget that a lot of rail lines, including the original transcontinental, were built with massive government support in the first place. The railroad companies were quite happy to take the assistance. The railroads were also quite happy to let the gummint take the passenger trains off their hands for them back in 1971. Free enterprise has never been “free.” It all depends how you look at it and how long your memory is.
Francis, that’s “capital”, not “capitol”…
Delays? Separate right of ways between freight and passenger. Can’t pay for it? Then be quiet and enjoy the train ride. Freight rules the rails, as one person said. If passengers are late, so what. I’m on the Lincoln service every other week, I read, eat, sleep, and dont pay much attention to the time.
Good for Sen. Durbin! It’s about time the requirement for freight lines, esp. UP, CP, CSX to honor their commitment to get passenger trains on time and without undue delaly.
If you want trucks on roads other than where they are now tell me who will pay for the roads we have now. The small amount of gas tax cars pay will never be enough.
Double track from Chitown down to C-dale with Amtrak having ownership of one side. With cross overs, freight could use the Amtrak side, when available, for a siding service and pay Amtrak for that usage time. State casino profits could cover the costs of the double track where needed.
Robinson forster. I expect to see that same reply to the usual group who rake over the coals walker,Scott,Ryan etc.