The interstate cross-subsidy from the general road network is around $0.08/vehicle mile. Then add in government borne accident costs of around $0.02/ vehicle mile. Most of the Amtrak long distance routes have a direct cost + equipment capital of around that amount. This turns the conclusion, first reached by volpe on its head.
Sam1, I actually intended my comment as a negative remark toward Louisiana, and while I can't argue with your numbers or logic, you brought up the subject of buses, which brings up a couple of subjects that have bugged me for some time.
One is coordination of transportation modes. Instead of competing for business, the modes should complement each other. In Murray's case he should be able to take a plane or train to Dallas and easily transfer to a bus or train to Shreveport without the hassle of cab rides and checking luggage in and out and in. The argument of government-run and privately-run modes is something that's too complicated for me to go into, with discussions of who gets what subsidies and what is worth what for the public good.
Another is many people's attitude toward buses: "It's for the lower classes and therefore beneath my dignity." Although I wouldn't recommend the bus for a cross-country trip, for short or intermediate trips they are quite comfortable.
Then there is another consideration: what do you do when you get to your destination? This brings up the need for good public transit, which is another story. I've got to stop now before I get carried away.
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"A stranger's just a friend you ain't met yet." --- Dave Gardner
Murrey: Yopu ought to try the bus, at least once. After the Lehigh Valley quite passenger service, I used Greyhound between New York and Allentown-Bethlahe, PA wihtout problems. Beat driving, which I also did, once.
Paul of Covington It won't happen if Louisiana has to pay one penny.
It won't happen if Louisiana has to pay one penny.
Good point!
Even if Texas and Louisiana had the money, would this be the best place to put it? Greyhound, Inc. and Kerville Bus Company have 14 daily offerings between Dallas and Shreveport. The trip takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours. At least 8 of the trips operate during daylight hours, and the 14 day advance fare is $37.
I have the same objection to this proposal that I had to the Heartland Flyer. One train a day does not offer most travelers a convenient option. And there is a low probability that it can cover its operating costs, which I believe should be the minimum criteria for any rail passenger service.
Passenger rail makes sense in relatively short, high density corridors, where the cost to expand the highway and the airways is prohibitive. Dallas to Shreveport does not meet these critieria.
Texas, as well as the nation, would be better served by implementing passenger rail where it meets the criteria outlined above. In Texas the most viable potential corridors are Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) to Austin and San Antonio, DFW to Houston, and Houston to San Antonio. This is the "triangle" that the federal DOT has highlighted as an area where passenger rail could be a viable option to deal with burgeoning traffic congestion in Texas.
Allocating monies for routes that don't meet the criteria stated above, where frequent, quick, convenient, and economical passenger rail is a viable option, dissipates monies that should be focused where they are likely to do the most good.
Well again I can't speak to Louisiana politics.
I am, however, working as a defense contractor at Barksdale AFB in Shreveport. I live in San Antonio. Its a 7-hour 400-mile drive for me each way when I do drive home. Until recently I could fly via DFW for as little at $267.00 RT. Those air fares have since doubled.
Its a 3-hour drive to Dallas on I-20 (give or take).
State support aside. I think there would be a market for this service. If you nothing else, it would add to the significance of Dallas/Ft. Worth as a hub and spoke center for Amtrak.
Well you never know.
And Yes...passenger service ended in Shreveport in November 1969.
I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for this to happen. There hasn't been any passenger service between Dallas-Fort Worth and Shreveport since around 1969, if not earlier.
From today's Shreveport Times:
http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20120521/NEWS01/205210319/Passenger-rail-service-could-return-Shreveport-Bossier-City?odyssey=mod|mostview
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