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Is there a groundswell out there that is disgusted by TRAINS magazine and its inability to criticize Amtrak and propose alternatives for the operation of intercity passenger trains? The recent posting on the webpage that sought to offer excuses for the politically dictated Chicago-Janesville train was the last straw. It was almost as bad as the recent Rail Travel issue of a few months ago that said never mind the liklihood that the train you'll be riding will be hours late. The delay of the Acela start-up, and the abandonment of the 3 hour NYC-Boston schedule had no criticism. The apologists always insist that Amsuck is starved for capital but it doesn't manage the assets it has. Except for Metroliners/Accela Expresses that originate in NYC, my observation is that most depatures from Penn Station are late (NJT trains are screwed by Amtrak dispatchers in particular.) All passengers, commuter and intercity alike, can not board trains in a timely manner; but are herded down the stairs like cattle at the last minute. The escalators invariably are not functioning or are going in the wrong direction. I rode the Three Rivers from Phil. to Chicago on 9-14. The train was loaded with refugees from the airlines. I can assure you that Amtrak did not make any new friends. Let's brainstorm some alternatives to Amsuck. Here are some potential competitors to the Amtrak monopoly: Herzog Transporatation Services Inc, a cruise train or ship firm, the freight railroads, self-operation by a regional rail authority (like Capital Corridor) or multi-state high-speed compact.
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