Larry Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date Come ride the rails with me! There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...
QUOTE: Originally posted by gabe how on earth do regional and shortline railways survive--much less receive investment? Regionals seldom--if ever--have the most efficient route between two points and are even more seldomly near capacity. Is it government subsidies that keep these lines afloat, and if so, why on earth do people invest in them?
"We have met the enemy and he is us." Pogo Possum "We have met the anemone... and he is Russ." Bucky Katt "Prediction is very difficult, especially if it's about the future." Niels Bohr, Nobel laureate in physics
QUOTE: Originally posted by Overmod Gabe, seems to me that the 'logical' thing that will keep short lines from 'going the way of the dinosaur' will be state assistance, or outright participation, with the State of Washington's program being one of the best examples. One way this might work is the State acquiring the ROW, using some form of public money, directed taxation, or specialty trust-fund income to improve it when necessary, and also if necessary to arrange for suitable cars (e.g., lower axle loading or better suspension when appropriate for lighter or lower-maintenance trackage). If I understand the recent posts on grain services, Washington currently does some of this. The question of who operates movements over this trackage is a bit more involved, but a very common answer appears to be "whoever best assures the state authorities that they can do the work reliably and at lowest cost" -- in that order, I think. Some discussion about the logical 'rationale' for state money being used to support rail is available, and makes interesting reading. I'm sure Mark has some input on how this has been implemented historically...
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