Home News Tribune - New Jersey / March 15, 2007
Boost in Amtrak aid ticket for rail change
Amtrak has operated for more than three decades without a clear notion among presidents or Congress of where it is going and what it ultimately should look like. It has always had to fight for funding and, therefore, has been continuously short of money for infrastructure, planning and necessary repairs.
That's no way to run a business.
And it's no way to transport people.
Fortunately, the White House and Congress have finally come to the realization that the old model isn't the best practice, either.
Beginning next year, states that play host to major transportation corridors — New Jersey chief among them — can expect to receive millions of dollars more in federal aid for railroads under a proposal to expand Amtrak service where the need is greatest — between cities within 400 miles of each other. Although the plan isn't approved yet, it is headed in that direction, and that is a bonus for the states and Amtrak alike. Both the White House and Congress are on board. The holdup has more to do with the amount of aid to be distributed, not with the concept itself.
President Bush is proposing $100 million for state rail grants for next year. By contrast, Sens. Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J., and Trent Lott, R-Miss., are proposing $237 million a year in state grants as part of their bipartisan proposal to award $1.2 billion over 11 years.
Whatever the final budget number eventually may be, however, the truth is any boost in federal support for expanded commuter rail service is welcome. States such as New Jersey, itself sandwiched between New York and Philadelphia, have been encouraging commuters to use mass transit for years, and those calls are being answered. Rail usage is rising, taking some pressure off of congested roadways. Rail capacity, on the other hand, isn't limitless. Unless the ability of the rails to handle more passengers is expanded — and soon — the day will come when demand exceeds what the rails can supply. Some argue that time is already here.
Full story here
Datafever wrote: Home News Tribune - New Jersey / March 15, 2007Boost in Amtrak aid ticket for rail change Amtrak has operated for more than three decades without a clear notion among presidents or Congress of where it is going and what it ultimately should look like. It has always had to fight for funding and, therefore, has been continuously short of money for infrastructure, planning and necessary repairs.That's no way to run a business.And it's no way to transport people.Fortunately, the White House and Congress have finally come to the realization that the old model isn't the best practice, either.Beginning next year, states that play host to major transportation corridors — New Jersey chief among them — can expect to receive millions of dollars more in federal aid for railroads under a proposal to expand Amtrak service where the need is greatest — between cities within 400 miles of each other. Although the plan isn't approved yet, it is headed in that direction, and that is a bonus for the states and Amtrak alike. Both the White House and Congress are on board. The holdup has more to do with the amount of aid to be distributed, not with the concept itself.President Bush is proposing $100 million for state rail grants for next year. By contrast, Sens. Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J., and Trent Lott, R-Miss., are proposing $237 million a year in state grants as part of their bipartisan proposal to award $1.2 billion over 11 years.Whatever the final budget number eventually may be, however, the truth is any boost in federal support for expanded commuter rail service is welcome. States such as New Jersey, itself sandwiched between New York and Philadelphia, have been encouraging commuters to use mass transit for years, and those calls are being answered. Rail usage is rising, taking some pressure off of congested roadways. Rail capacity, on the other hand, isn't limitless. Unless the ability of the rails to handle more passengers is expanded — and soon — the day will come when demand exceeds what the rails can supply. Some argue that time is already here.Full story here
Within the last week, there was an article in the Kansas City Star referencing a grassroots movement to have AMTRAK extend the Heartland Flyer into Kansas; most certainly,at least to Wichita, and possibly on to other destinations in Kansas [Topeks?, Kansas City?]. Currently, the bill is footed by Texas and Oklahoma, Kansas would have to pony up to have it extended north. The cost estimates are all over the map, KDOT mentioned a figure in the 100/200 million $$$ area, the concensus seems to be something less than 10 million, of course track conditions will need upgrading, as well as more equipment will be needed. Obviously now, KDOT has no funds, and probably little interest in a passenger train at this stage of the game, it will take some heavyweight politicos to get on board for the Kansas extention to happen. Will bear watching in the future to see how it plays out.
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