John WRI couldn't find any embarrassment in it.
-Don (Random stuff, mostly about trains - what else? http://blerfblog.blogspot.com/)
John WRThen in the middle of the sequester someone somewhere got agreement from the House to continue Federal support of the Pennsylvanian at a lower amount than before. But if Amtrak's enemies cannot even zero out the Pennsylvanian there seems to be reason to hope Amtrak will survive this.
Two words. Bill Shuster. If this had been the "Georgian" or "Nevadian" the train would have died.
As for the lower rate. Why did it take so many years and so much prodding from the outside for Amtrak to figure it out?
oltmanndTwo words. Bill Shuster.
Biil Shuster is 1 of 435 members of the House of Representatives. A majority is 218. Do you think he really has that much power over 217 other members of the House?
oltmanndAs for the lower rate. Why did it take so many years and so much prodding from the outside for Amtrak to figure it out?
I don't see your point here, Don. Agencies of the Federal Government operate based on what the law is now. No agency of government would or could operate by guessing what the law might be in the future. Do you think anyone can predict what laws are going to be passed at some future date?
John
John WR oltmanndTwo words. Bill Shuster. Biil Shuster is 1 of 435 members of the House of Representatives. A majority is 218. Do you think he really has that much power over 217 other members of the House?
When it comes to what goes on in his home district? You bet! You might actually have to had lived in Altoona to understand this, though.
John WRI don't see your point here, Don. Agencies of the Federal Government operate based on what the law is now. No agency of government would or could operate by guessing what the law might be in the future. Do you think anyone can predict what laws are going to be passed at some future date?
Amtrak is allowed to figure out ways to run more efficiently right now! They don't need legislation to figure out how to reduce costs for serving a hamburger or to improve the bottom line of the Pennsylvanian. They can hire and fire, change their food vendor, change fares, add and drop cars, change schedules, cut and add staff, pay bonuses, change salaries, reconfigure coaches, etc, all w/o any new legislation.
The problem is that they only change things when pushed from the outside.
oltmanndWhen it comes to what goes on in his home district? You bet! You might actually have to had lived in Altoona to understand this, though.
Hey Don, You don't really need to live in Altoona or even Pennsylvania to understand pork barrel legislation or log rolling. It is simply the way some things are done in the Congress. I don't defend it but I don't think you believe it begins and ends in Pennsylvania.
oltmanndAmtrak is allowed to figure out ways to run more efficiently right now!
I know far too much about the government to argue that Amtrak or any government agency could not be improved. No doubt the things you suggest could be done. What I say and all that I say is that until we have a better provider of passenger rail service I'll stick with Amtrak.
Why would I take the train instead getting their faster and at a lower price by bus? Because I enjoy riding the train, and anything over one or two hours on a bus turns it from something enjoyable to something I have to put up with! And most American do enjoy riding trains, if they are neat and comfortable and the food service is decent. A short bus ride can be enjoyable, but a long one is not for most Americans.
If you surf around for people's actual travel experiences on a train or bus you can find a number of problems. May are very individual and have nothing to do with the carrier. But there are some generalizations.
Restrooms. Restrooms are a big area of discussion. On buses restrooms are in the rear, replace 2 seats and project out into the aisle. They are very small. On trains, which have more room, restrooms are larger. And handicapped restrooms are much larger, large enough to use with a wheel chair. However, some buses make frequent rest stops; Greyhound is a bus where frequent rest stops are mentioned and more than once. Some suggest you be sure to avail yourself of the restrooms when the bus makes a rest stop. And be sure to take a bus that does make frequent rest stops.
Fellow riders. Bus fares are cheaper and they can be a lot cheaper. The plus, or course, is the money you don't spend. The minus is that people who are looking to spend as little as possible can contain individuals who some people find less aware of privacy and other things that people who will spend more money on a fare.
Length of trip. A lot of people find a bus more acceptable for a short trip than for a long trip. Buses tend to be smaller and can be more uncomfortable which becomes more difficult as time goes on. But for a shorter trip it can be acceptable.
In short, the train costs more but can also provide a more pleasant experience. You tend to get what you pay for.
Kudos to everyone involved in saving (for now) the PENNSYLVANIAN. That said it's time to get back to work on the proposed thru NY-Chicago service via the CAPITOL LIMITED.
bill613aKudos to everyone involved in saving (for now) the PENNSYLVANIAN. That said it's time to get back to work on the proposed thru NY-Chicago service via the CAPITOL LIMITED.
Congressman Bill Shuster is Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. He replaced Congressman John -- Holy Jihad against Amtrak -- MIca. There is reason to be cautiously hopeful.
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