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[quote user="South Texas"] <ol> <li>So, here we are with somewhat of a passenger train service in Texas using out-dated schedules and insufficient frequencies - and time may be running out for turning it around. There seems to be agreement that, at best, the current routes are small remnants of early 20th century business models with far more trains serving the public. The futurist in me says that without lots more commitment in personnel and equipment, cost effectiveness is a losing battle.</li> </ol> We dare not give up what we have for fear we may not get anything to replace it. The focus must be on cost-effective expansion. Initial steps probably should include, 1) Extending the Heartland Flyer south along the I-35 Corridor to San Antonio and Laredo, 2) Extending the Texas Eagle to Corpus Christi and Harlingen, 3) Making the Sunset Limited daily at least as far west as San Antonio, 4) Extending the Crescent west to Houston and San Antonio, and 5) Adding at least two trains a day between Houston and Dallas / Ft. Worth. You probably notice this provides two passenger trains a day each way around the Texas Triangle - a minimum threshold in my opinion.   <div style="clear:both;"></div> [/quote][quote user="South Texas"] <ol> <li>So, here we are with somewhat of a passenger train service in Texas using out-dated schedules and insufficient frequencies - and time may be running out for turning it around. There seems to be agreement that, at best, the current routes are small remnants of early 20th century business models with far more trains serving the public. The futurist in me says that without lots more commitment in personnel and equipment, cost effectiveness is a losing battle.</li> </ol> We dare not give up what we have for fear we may not get anything to replace it. The focus must be on cost-effective expansion. Initial steps probably should include, 1) Extending the Heartland Flyer south along the I-35 Corridor to San Antonio and Laredo, 2) Extending the Texas Eagle to Corpus Christi and Harlingen, 3) Making the Sunset Limited daily at least as far west as San Antonio, 4) Extending the Crescent west to Houston and San Antonio, and 5) Adding at least two trains a day between Houston and Dallas / Ft. Worth. You probably notice this provides two passenger trains a day each way around the Texas Triangle - a minimum threshold in my opinion. [/quote] Killing the Texas Eagle, as well as the Sunset Limited, and using the equipment (coaches and lounge cars) could result in better regional service.  But as long as the emphasis is to keep on keeping on, with no changes in the current arrangement, it is not likely to happen.  This is the mantra of TEMPO and TXARP.  And it is unrealistic. Without the Eagle and Limited there would be enough equipment to run at least three or four trains a day from DFW to San Antonio.  Two trains could originate in Little Rock and two could originate in OK City.  This could be done without having to buy additional equipment.  Given the cost constraints facing passenger rail, not having to buy additional equipment is critical to providing new service in Texas or elsewhere for that matter. To be competitive the schedules would have to be tightened, which is probably doable.  The present schedules have heaps of fat built into them because of the delays incurred by long distance trains.  A train running from DFW or OK City to San Antonio is not likely to face as many hurdles as a train running from Chicago to San Antonio or LAX to New Orleans. During the early years Amtrak ran the Inter American to Laredo.  I rode it several times.  Where did I and the 800 pound gorilla sit?  Anywhere we wanted.  The trains were empty south of San Antonio. The market did not support it, and the train withdrawn south of San Antonio.  Moreover, I doubt that there is a market for the train now.   Expansion of passenger rail in Texas requires realistic planning. That includes sound funding. It means expanding it in incremental steps.  Grandiose plans, especially those not accompanied with a sound financing plan, are not likely to win favor in any segment.  We have to be realistic; the proposal must be supported properly.
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