New Mexico's Rail Runner Commuter Service

[CSSHEGEWISCH]

With the exception of the Chicago-Valparaiso trips after the formation of Conrail, Amtrak only managed but did not operate several suburban operations, again only under a management contract.  The various operations were funded and operated by the appropriate local transit agency. 

[oltmannd]

rjemery

When Amtrak came into existence, it was for all intents and purposes handed exclusivity to run all passenger trains in the country.  States already operating independent commuter railroads were largely excepted.  If any state agency that came later wanted to operate commuter train service, it had to engage Amtrak, to my understanding.  I seem to recall that Boston's commuter rail lines are operated by Amtrak under contract, and Virginia's service is similarly contracted.

How then did New Mexico establish its Rail Runner Express outside the purview and control of Amtrak?

Neither MBTA nor VRE are Amtrak operated any more.  Amtrak has lost nearly every commuter operation contract to Keolis, Herzog et. al.

[schlimm]

rjemery

When Amtrak came into existence, it was for all intents and purposes handed exclusivity to run all passenger trains in the country.  States already operating independent commuter railroads were largely excepted.  If any state agency that came later wanted to operate commuter train service, it had to engage Amtrak, to my understanding.  I seem to recall that Boston's commuter rail lines are operated by Amtrak under contract, and Virginia's service is similarly contracted.

How then did New Mexico establish its Rail Runner Express outside the purview and control of Amtrak?

Here is the pertinent portion of Public Law 91-518:

http://history.amtrak.com/archives/rail-passenger-service-act-of-1970

The Rail Passenger Service Act 1970 provided for a corporation, later called Amtrak, to operate intercity transportation in Title I, Sec. 101.  Intercity rail passenger service is defined in Sec. 102 as "all rail passenger service other than (A) commuter and other short haul service in metropolitan and suburban areas, usually characterized by reduced fare, multiple-ride and commutation tickets and by morning and evening peak period operations."

[henry6]

First it is a commuter operation and not inter city or long distance service.  Second, it is not operating on Amtrak owned track.  Third, at one time Amtrak had the right of first refusal: they had to be approached or asked before anybody else; if they refused it was ok to do as needed.  Today, quite removed from the first Amtrak legislation, the concept was to unburden the railroads who were operating passenger trains. Today, laws governing Amtrak have changed as has the population landscape and needs for transportation.  I don't believe Amtrak has to be asked first anymore, for instance.  Freight railroads have lines that are unused or have low usage and a passenger service could help pay to keep it open.  So many more changes....

[rjemery]

When Amtrak came into existence, it was for all intents and purposes handed exclusivity to run all passenger trains in the country.  States already operating independent commuter railroads were largely excepted.  If any state agency that came later wanted to operate commuter train service, it had to engage Amtrak, to my understanding.  I seem to recall that Boston's commuter rail lines are operated by Amtrak under contract, and Virginia's service is similarly contracted.

How then did New Mexico establish its Rail Runner Express outside the purview and control of Amtrak?