MULTIZ321
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BLUEWATER BY SPINNAKER HHI
ROYAL HOLIDAY CLUB RHC (POINTS)
I Love Taking Long-Distance Trains. Here's Why I'm Thrilled Amtrak Might Cut Them Back.
By Eric Holthaus/ The Right Track/ Grist/ grist.org
'"Amtrak is planning a major restructuring of its national network, which could finally make shorter-routes competitive with air travel.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Amtrak is gearing up to replace its aging equipment, and is leaning towards replacing traditional dining and sleeper cars with sleek intercity cars designed for quick travel between nearby cities. The move would effectively chop up cross-country routes and prioritize travel between higher-traffic city pairs. The reallocation could boost ridership by millions with the same (meager) funding levels.
As a frequent rail-rider for climate reasons, this is the kind of news that fills me with joy.
Let’s face the harsh truth: With current levels of funding, an American nationwide high-speed rail network wouldn’t arrive in time to do much good during the next 12 years or so, when our level of climate ambition should be at its highest. This week, Governor Gavin Newsom scaled back California’s plan for high-speed rail, citing ballooning budgets. We’ve got to hack together something in the meantime that doesn’t involve turning I-5 into the Autobahn. Amtrak’s restructuring would take people out of cars and airplanes — a win for travelers and the planet.
I’ve been critical of Amtrak before, but this is a good move. If we want to become a nation of train travelers, increasing the frequency of trains on highly trafficked routes is exactly the right strategy....."
Carol M. Highsmith / Buyenlarge / Getty Images
Richard
By Eric Holthaus/ The Right Track/ Grist/ grist.org
'"Amtrak is planning a major restructuring of its national network, which could finally make shorter-routes competitive with air travel.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Amtrak is gearing up to replace its aging equipment, and is leaning towards replacing traditional dining and sleeper cars with sleek intercity cars designed for quick travel between nearby cities. The move would effectively chop up cross-country routes and prioritize travel between higher-traffic city pairs. The reallocation could boost ridership by millions with the same (meager) funding levels.
As a frequent rail-rider for climate reasons, this is the kind of news that fills me with joy.
Let’s face the harsh truth: With current levels of funding, an American nationwide high-speed rail network wouldn’t arrive in time to do much good during the next 12 years or so, when our level of climate ambition should be at its highest. This week, Governor Gavin Newsom scaled back California’s plan for high-speed rail, citing ballooning budgets. We’ve got to hack together something in the meantime that doesn’t involve turning I-5 into the Autobahn. Amtrak’s restructuring would take people out of cars and airplanes — a win for travelers and the planet.
I’ve been critical of Amtrak before, but this is a good move. If we want to become a nation of train travelers, increasing the frequency of trains on highly trafficked routes is exactly the right strategy....."
Carol M. Highsmith / Buyenlarge / Getty Images
Richard
