Amtrak's Plan to Connect the U.S.

[MULTIZ321]

Amtrak's Plan to Connect the U.S.

Amtrak’s Plan to Connect the U.S. - Railway Age

INTERNATIONAL RAILWAY JOURNAL, SEPTEMBER 2021 ISSUE: 50 years since Amtrak was founded, the United States’ federally owned passenger operator is arguably at the most exciting juncture in its history. William Flynn, Amtrak President and CEO, presented the company’s ambitious plans for growth and...

www.railwayage.com

Richard

 

[Talent312]

Music to the ears of rail-fans. But it's all pie-in-the-sky.
"The best laid plans of mice and men..."
.

 

[Superchief]

Unfortunately, Amtrak has to rely on the freight railroads for service outside the Northeast corridor. Several rail crossings would also have to be upgraded to allow higher speed passenger train service. If nothing else, the equipment for existing long distance train service needs to be replaced or refurbished. There are currently a lot of delays due to engine breakdowns.

I hope to see the Ohio service during my lifetime.

 

[MrockStar]

Yes please.

 

[pedro47]

This sound good on paper, but will it happen ?

 

[MULTIZ321]

Amtrak, developer reach agreement on restoration and update of Philadelphia's 30th Street Station.

Amtrak, developer reach agreement on restoration and update of Philadelphia's 30th Street Station - Trains

PHILADELPHIA — Amtrak has reached agreement with developer Plenary Infrastructure Philadelphia on a lease and development agreement for restoration and renovation of its main station in Philadelphia, the William H. Gray III 30th Street Station. Under the agreement, Plenary will refurbish and...

www.trains.com

Richard

 

[elaine]

I love the train. And it get plenty of use in the NE corridor, but I'd guess a money-loser for most routes.

 

[Passepartout]

High hopes for much of the country, but not here in the sparsely populated West where distances are long. We'll fly, thank you.

 

[jwalk03]

Cincinnati to Cleveland is a 3.5 hour drive, yet the Amtrak service is projected at 5.5 hours and given Amtrak's reliability I would venture probably longer than that!! It sounds great in theory, but I am skeptical it will ever be successful (or profitable!)

 

[Superchief]

Trains and other major transportation methods aren't very profitable without government subsidies. Airports and highways have always received much higher subsidies than Amtrak. However, it is important to maintain a significant rail network and may become even more important in the future as highways get congested, fuel gets more expensive (or unavailable), and car ownership is out of reach for some. Passenger Trains no longer were profitable to the railroads after they lost their contracts to carry mail. All foreign rail travel is heavily subsidized.

 

[rboesl]

Are there any rail related monies in the proposed infrastructure bill? I don't remember reading about any.

 

[Superchief]

Are there any rail related monies in the proposed infrastructure bill? I don't remember reading about any.

There is a significant amount for Amtrak, but I can't remember the exact amount. It will help replace some of the aging equipment.

 

[x3 skier]

Taking the Empire Builder from Chicago to Seattle next week. Having taken many trains in Europe, I’ll be interested in the comparison.

Cheers

 

[x3 skier]

Cincinnati to Cleveland is a 3.5 hour drive, yet the Amtrak service is projected at 5.5 hours and given Amtrak's reliability I would venture probably longer than that!! It sounds great in theory, but I am skeptical it will ever be successful (or profitable!)

If I ever have a reason to go to Cleveland from Dayton (which I doubt ) I’d take the train. More likely use it to get to Downton Cincinnati for the sports etc. Driving I-75 and parking can be a PITA.

But I agree, likely not to happen.

Cheers

 

[Superchief]

Taking the Empire Builder from Chicago to Seattle next week. Having taken many trains in Europe, I’ll be interested in the comparison.

Cheers

It should be a beautiful trip. If you have a sleeper, you meals will be included. The food has gotten better again and they are actually using real plates and glassware. The Flat Iron steak and Crab cake are usually pretty good. Have a great trip and enjoy the scenery and tranquility. You can bring your own wine if you drink it in your room. We typically connect in Chicago and get a deep dish pizza from Beggar's pizza that is about 1 block from the station.