CN Vs. Amtrak

[reisert]

As a frequent rider on train 392 (the Northbound Illini) it seems that CN is nickel and diming for delays on a routine basis such that I can see why Sen. Durbin has amended the complaint that was filed a couple of years ago. Sen. Durbin has been active for many years on behalf of Amtrak in IL and I think that his reelection has little to do with why this complaint has been filed. CN did not even want to run the Saluki and tried to get out of it (claiming that the individual who signed the contract did not have the authority to do so) but Sen. Durbin told CN you will run this train! 

[Dakguy201]

It may be true that the Illini is badly handled, but many days I take a look online at the status of the various long distance trains into and out of Chicago.  The City of New Orleans, operated over the same CN tracks, runs closer to on time than does the Eagle, Zephyr, Builder, Lakeshore or Capitol.  The only LD train that routinely comes close to it is the Southwest Chief.

Of course, that is a relative comparison; in particular this year they all have a miserable on time record.

[schlimm]

reisert

Sen. Durbin has been active for many years on behalf of Amtrak in IL and I think that his reelection has little to do with why this complaint has been filed.

Very true, although someone claimed that was Sen. Durbin's motivation on another thread, because (he claimed) Durbin was in a close race.   The recent Tribune poll has Durbin running 23 points ahead.  So much for the close race.

[Buslist]

Anyone that knows anything about Durbin's opponent knows he makes great egg nog but other than that? Interesting that his opponent only runs negative ads about Durbin but nothing positive about himself. Durbin's fight with the CN predates this election.

[schlimm]

Oberweis is one of those perennial losing candidates.  Although currently a state senator, he's lost almost as many times as Lar Daley, back in the day.