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How about privatizing Amtrak sleepers or diners?

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<p>[quote user="oltmannd"]</p> <p> </p> <blockquote> <div><img src="/TRCCS/Themes/trc/images/icon-quote.gif" /> <strong>Sam1:</strong></div> <div> <p> </p> <p> </p> <blockquote> <div><img src="/TRCCS/Themes/trc/images/icon-quote.gif" /> <strong>henry6:</strong></div> <div> <p> </p> <p>It doesn't matter what Amtrak is supposed to be by defninition.  By existance it is a toy, a pawn, a buracracy,  a political entity under the charge of the Congress of the United States.  Thus, no matter what it is, it can't be efficient and profitable, only a punching bag.</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>This is the best argument that I have seen to date to eliminate Amtrak and replace it, where feasible, with privatized companies to operate passenger rail in corridors where they make sense.  Even if the government has to subsidize the operators, as it surely would, it would be a better arrangement than a government run passenger rail system.</p> <div style="clear:both;"></div> <p> </p> </div> </blockquote> <p> </p> <p>Yes, but you better leave them incentive to provide good service.  Either give them a chunk (or all!) of the revenue or bonuses around some tightly woven and non-game-able performance measures. [/quote]</p> <p>I agree!  Whilst in Australia I became familiar with the contracts that were written by the relevant parties to govern the behavior of the contractors who were engaged to operate the trams and suburban rail.  We supplied them with electric power and, therefore, needed to be familiar with the contracts.  The contracts contained well defined performance standards; however, they were not perfect.  That is beyond the capability of humans.</p> <p>The performance standards appeared to be relatively straight forward, which tends to minimize the opportunities to game them, although there is no such thing as making them fool proof.  </p> <p>Following privatization of the trams, suburban rail, and V-Line, the size of the workforce was reduced significantly.  Whereas the government had no incentive to better manage the workforce, a private contractor certainly did.  Ultimately, if he stuffed it up, he would lose the contract.  As a result of privatization, I believe the quality of the service improved significantly.  This was my observation as well as that of many of by colleagues and friends.</p> <p>As shown too often by Amtrak, which has many good people, government agencies don't have the same incentive as private business to perform at the top of their game. The drivers (motivators) are different. </p>
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