How will the Rail raods be afected??

[Anonymous]

I would like everybodys inquiry about whaty you think happned today???

[edahrenhoerster]

First of all we have been shown that the folks who say that the US should not be the "policeman" for the world have been shown that there is one thing worse than the US acting as the world's policeman and that is not having the US acting as the world's policeman. The other thing is that we have been shown that anyone who relies entirely on one form of transportation runs a grave risk of having that one form cut off. Always have your eggs in more than one basket.

[Anonymous]

first off it was the worst thing i have ever seen. absolutly horrible. my heart goes out to all those folks who lost family, friends, co-workers and I am proud of the work of the rescuers and of the way the United States has banded together on this issue. now more specifically about railroads, I don't look for much to change significantly, at least as long as nothing happens to them. In the short term, (for that day) they put a 50mph speed limit on us (UP) like that would make any difference, and they inspected all major structures (bridges, fuel tanks, buildings, etc). also, they are being a little more strict about carrying our r.r. id's. supposedly security is a little tighter, but the next night some containers got busted into, in one of the yards in KC, so take that lipservice for what it's worth. also, we are hauling more UPS, USPS, traffic temporarily, until the airlines/airports get back up to speed. I wouldn't look for much in the way of changes, unless, like a said, something happens directly to the railroads themselves. Possibly a little less tolerant of trespassing and they are asking us to report anything out of the ordinary, like cars parked unoccupied by the tracks.

[Anonymous]

It doesn't look like good publicity for Amtrak when one of their trains derails just days after these terrorist attacks. As some people become more wary of plane travel, can Amtrak be trusted to provide safe service?

[Anonymous]

Your right, it does look bad on Amtrak, though I think people would rather use the train, because I think most people think that a train accident is going to be less worse then a plane accident.

My question is, Are the rates going to go up? I know here (NB Canada) the fuel prices are going through the roof....makes one wonder how much it will affect rail and air travel. The last time I checked, 1.03$ a litre....it was 73.9 early in the day. Scary.

[Anonymous]

I don't want to sound selfish, but just how is all the fallout from last Tuesday going to affect the railfan community? With increased security around Amtrak stations (for me at least a safe area to photograph or video tape trains) by people who would probably see us as "terrorists" simply because they don't understand our hobby and would most likely view us with suspension. Any views or suggestions on this, especially from those working for the failroads?

[thirdrail1]

As a railfan who also happened to spend most of his career in the railroad business, I do not think you will be viewed with additional "suspension" (you mean suspicion don't you?) by railroad employees unless you have a beard and wear a turban or kafiyeh. But, most railroads were already tightening their security procedures for both theft and liability reasons. At the end of the steam era in the fifties, there were many railroad police that were not aware that World War II had ended and confiscated the film of those photographing locomotives from public property!

[Anonymous]

Last week, on the B.N.S.F., we in the Seattle Divisions etc. and I'm sure every-where on the system, have been getting a Track Bulletin form C stating: "AMTRAK ENGINEERS AND AMTRAK CONDUCTORS MUST NOT OPERATE ANY TRAIN ON BNSF PROPERTY UNTIL THEY HAVE ADVISED THE BNSF PASSENGER SERVICES DESK (800-871-0902 OR 817-234-7332) THAT THEY HAVE HAD A JOB BRIEFING WITH A RULES QUALIFIED AMTRAK OFFICER THAT INCLUDES: 1. A DISCUSSIION OF RECENT AMTRAK SIGNAL VIOLATIONS AND THE ACCIDENTS THAT RESULTED FROM THEM, AND 2. THE DISTRACTING EVENTS IN THE UNITED STATES AND THE NEED TO STAY FOCUSED AND DILIGENT. AMTRAK ENGINEERS AND AMTRAK CONDUCTORS MUST GIVE THE BNSF PASSENGER SERVICES DESK THE DATE AND TIME OF THE JOB BRIEFING AND THE NAME OF THE AMTRAK OFFICER THAT WAS INVOLVED PRIOR TO OPERATING A TRAIN. RELIEF AMTRAK CREWS THAT BOARD TRAINS AT LOCATIONS OTHER THAN REGULAR CREW BASE LOCATIONS, AND DO NOT HAVE THE MEANS TO CONTACT THE BNSF PASSENGER SERVICES DESK, MUST NOTIFY THE TRAIN DISPATCHER AND SUBMIT THIS INFORMATION TO THEM PRIOR TO DEPARTING." I hope this wasn't to boring or long winded, but in all my years as I'm sure other operation personel retired or otherwise can attest, never have I seen such a train order. It scares the s--t out of we who operate on the main with these folks. Obviously, two people in the cab is the only answer...at all times regardless of the on duty time work rules.

[wabash1]

a few hours after the incedent a system wide bullitin come out on the ns that basicly said that in referance to the rule that says we are to report all tespassers was reissued and stated any unussual traffic activity , persons on or near the tracks, and so on was to be reported and the local police would be notified for arestting the coulprit. needless to say i havent reported anyone i dont care if someone is taking pics as long as they aint of me doing something i would get fired for. go ahead snap away have fun. this is america. just be safe doing it.

[Anonymous]

Well, hopefully, people will both use the rail network, and, therefore, generate revenue, which can be spent on improvements. Also, The powers-at-be may realise that it is actually a good thing to have a broad transportation base - that is what Integrated Transport is: the ability to integrate various forms of transportation for the good of the community.

ANY machine will go wrong. However, you have a better chance of survival in a train at 60 mph than in a Jet under the command of lunatics hell-bent on 'revenge'. At least some of the guys in the fourth plane had a go.

If you think petrol is expensive in the US and Canada, you should live in the UK: approx. $6 a gallon!

[RudyRockvilleMD]

At times like these it is only wise to be more alert. I doubt if railfans will have any problems photographing trains from the railfan parks in places like Rochelle, IL, Cresson, PA, or the like. As far as I know it is not against the law to photograph trains from public property, however, it is best to use common sense to be sure there are no strategic facilities such as military bases or defense plants anywhere in the background.

[cprted]

If anything the terrible events of last tuesday will have a positive effect on the railroad passenger industry. As new security measures are implemented, you will have to arrive earlier and earlier to catch your flight giving high speed rail service like the Acela an advantage.