If & when Amtrak is reborn .What would you like to

[Anonymous]

Actually, whpever comes along next should learn some lessons from the Rutan brothers and General Dynamics.
John Bradley
REPLEVIN

[Anonymous]

When you think of Amtrak and "rebirth" I have two words for you to think about with them: "Frankenstein" and "abysmal". To use the routes I see mentioned here and many more I would have you understand that you don't need a lobbyist, ombudsman or any other kind of hack to get there. You're already here. Form your own ridership and the way to make it happen with device right in front of you.

[sooblue]

I hate to say it because I'm afraid that there would be no more passenger trains, but I agree that Amtrak needs to go. If only the private RRs would than take the ball and run with it maybee the feds would than be willing to "help out" and do what they do for the airlines. A dream maybe but a change is needed fast.
every time I DRIVE to Florida or Colorado I check the fares with Amtrak. WHAT A JOKE !!! I can not only drive cheaper but the money I've saved over 8 trips I can buy a near new car!
The last time I went cross country on the train was in '67 on the Northern Pacific. WHAT A TRIP !
Great fun and CHEEP too. Had to be or dad wouldn't let us go. I'm waiting for the day when I can take my children by train cross country IT'S THE ONLY WAY TO "FLY" but not a 2 grand.

[jamesedwbradley]

I've said it before but it bears repeating - someone should FIND OUT WHERE THE DEMAND FOR RAIL PASSENGER TRAINS IS, through professional, complete market research. I don't believe this has been done. I think Amtrak has untapped markets, and maybe should exit some of its present markets. Your point about more auto-trains is very good - has Amtrak even roughly tested the demand? I think several of these could go, and no reason why a few auto-less folks couldn't tag along; this might replace the 'hotel' train on a route like Chicago-Denver, but WE MUST KNOW THE FACTS OF DEMAND, first. !
Jim Bradley Hawk Mtn. Chapter Natl. Ry. Hist. Soc.

[CShaveRR]

I would like to see the proposed high-speed trains in the midwest continue through Chicago Union Station and terminate at O'Hare. It might make sense for some people to take a train to a fairly close destination rather than change to a connecting flight (especially if one needs to go through the security hassle). I don't know whether the current Metra stop at O'Hare would be capable of being made into an adequate terminal for Amtrak trains (which could still be serviced near Union Station), but that and a reasonably seamless connection between there and the airline terminals could be a useful transportation tool.

[GerFust]

I'd like to see some 'express' routes along the same routes they currently run. For example, Chicago to Boston with a stop every 30-45 minutes really slows down the trip. Maybe a train along the same route with one stop per state? That would be in addition to the one that stops every 45 minutes.

As it is, most folks in rural (and even urban) America have to drive some distance to an Amtrak station anyway. East Lansing, MI - Chicago - Boston is 14 hours longer than driving 2 hours to Toledo and getting on there.

Of course, that adds overhead, and money is the big issue for AmTrak these days.

[Anonymous]

Folks,

I fear you are dreaming. We have not had a rational transportation policy in this country since William McKinley was assasinated. Why do you expect things to change now? Just because we can't afford to pave over everything, and just because we will soon start to see a real and sustained decrease in oil production. Just because rail is the least polluting form of transportation.

This is Congress and Presidents you are talking about. They follow they don't lead and the public is clueless.

The best thing they can do is kill Amtrak so that when the time comes, someone can start from scratch.

Mac McCulloch

[Anonymous]

Some points well taken. But remember we are dealing with politicians in the U.S. Congress. Whatever comes of it, if Amtrak, or something else is what will manage a national system, it will be so hamstrung with requirements it may not be able to move to do anything that may seem reasonable. Then too there are the frieght roads they will need to deal with. They will want the passenger system to probably pay for everything to upgrade or maintain while they continue to use it too. Then there are the Unions who will want their shopping list of must haves in order to provide the properly motivated workforce.

But let's dream. If all that is overcome, high speed for a some additional routes will be a must between close large urban areas. Long distance needs to continue with added routes serving more medium sized and the in-between smaller cities. More shorter routes connecting the longer routes and paired cities.

Ah, what dreams we have who use the system. Too bad not all of our fellow rail enthusiats will support passenger train service either in spirit or by actually riding them. But then we can dream and hope.

On America...

[DenWoz]

Reborn Amtrak should innovate to high speed passenger lines, especially long distance routes like Chicago-Denver, Chicago-east coast, etc. It should learn lessons from TGV and Shinkansen service. Denny

[Anonymous]

I would like to see Amtrak start service on the Reading line between Allentown and Harrisburg Pa. They could run a train from NY-Penn station over the old EL lines in NJ to Allentown and then use NS mainline through Machungie, Topton and Alburtis Pa.

Steve

[Anonymous]

Like the options of using other class two and
mayby three freight railroads for Amtrak. I like
to see at least twice a week to see if it works,
a Pittsburgh to Buffalo route with very limited
stops using Butler & Lake Erie Railroad that goes
straight north to Erie then east to Buffalo.
Hmm wonder how many flights go that way???

[Anonymous]

Why doesn't the 'California Zephyr' alternate between its present routeand going via Cheyenne? I would have though railfans would like to ride the 'Zephyr' to UP roundhouse to see the various bits of tackle.

Jason.

[Anonymous]

There have been talk about doing a Charlotte, NC,-Columbia, SC-Charleston, SC connector last year. We even had the Amtrak NC #1797, the "City of Ashville," to come to Columbia to promote this possibility. I hope this go through.

[Anonymous]

Like to see Charlotte to Ashville service again.

[Anonymous]

Like to see them try new routes.Someplaces it doesn't have to be class 1 freight lines to have
excellent rails to travel on. They can go travel
newer route and still pick up large population cities for buisness.
There existing routes that have more than 4 trains a day. Like to see one of those trains to be non stop from pickup to end. This would cover
long mileage routes that's mayby 3 states or more
and be from one large city to another large city.
If you eliminate the stops this would be almost
equal to fast train in the east and still get there fast and not have to put millions upgrade the tracks and buy expensive train sets.
Like to see them chalenge more auto trains especially long distance trains from east coast to west coast. There people that like go out west for vacation that want to take there car with them. But do not want drive that far. I believe
if Amtak tries few more auto trains the people
will try and like it.
Also last like to see there freight service tripled and come up with more drop off and pick up
points. Sure the passenger service is busy now. They are going to have there slow times as well. This freight hauling will keep them afloat always