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Living as I do about 3 miles from the NEC in Rhode Island I follow discussions regarding it closely. I am very interested in the current privatization proposal from the Amtrak Reform Council,but I don't I have many questions and some skepticism. As far as the newly upgraded NEC does it really make sense to rip all the catenary down(especially the new plant between New Haven and Boston) and sell it to the freight railroads? I find it hard to believe that NS and CSX,especially in these tough times,would pay fair market value(i.e reimbursement for the billions in recent improvements,rolling stock,etc.) I would like to see a fully developed,high speed passenger link in place,either privatized or in some sort of public-private partnership. CSX uses the former Conrail Boston & Albany line for New England freight service and I can't see them shifting lots of traffic to tne NEC which,after all,would probably need more work to become a heavy freight line(doublestack friendly clearances,etc.). I have to wonder if some of the people posting on this are doing so because they enjoy trainspotting freight more than Amtrak(by the way,I enjoy freight equipment more,but this doesn't skew my view on transportation policy). <br /> Also,keep in mind that these overseas passenger operations run by U.S based operators are in counties with underdeveloped regional air service,or where the government actively impedes private car usage for long distance travel by high gasoline taxes or other regulation(and I don't think any of us would like that here). <br /> Anyway,I agree that the Federal government,without private sector involvement, is not going to be successful in the railroad business,so we need to look at alternatives. But I do think that commuter operations and the development of high speed regional rail corridors are important to improving the transportation system in the Northeast and nationwide. <br />Sincerely, <br />Jon Carney
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