Don't you think that if the Class 1's, or any other rr, thought they could make money off of passenger traffic, they would have been all over it already ?
In other words, maybe, just maybe, they have a bit better picture of things then, say, us ?
This is called the "TrailerTrain model" or the "RailBox model" and it has been out there for years. The idea is simple: all Class I carriers hosting intercity passenger service get to own a piece and place one member on the board of a new company. Class 2's regionals and shortlines hosting such service can place a member on the board, or in lieu, non participating members can, as a group, place a member. The balance is filled out by USDOT and AAR if needed. Chairman of the new company is on a 5 year term, selected from the executive ranks of host carriers.
The carriers make all the decisions regarding service levels, routes and operations. Operation and existing infrastructure improvement costs are offset by revenue and tax credits for specific projects. Balance of operational funding is provided via Congress as now, either by direct subsidy or by tax credits to the commpany and/or its participating owners.
New infrastructure funding is shared by the new company, and state and local governments where new facilities would be placed. Cost of new equipment is shared by all carriers and offset using tax credits or direct subsidy.
Employees are absorbed into participating local carriers' workforces and protected against existing freight employees for passenger service only.
These are only the highlights. There is detailed info out there about this proposal, presented (and presumed dead) many years ago. The idea was to give the carriers a "piece of the action" so to speak, in operational terms, finances and decision-making. One of the requirements: service had to continue at or above current frequencies and service levels for at least the next 50 years.
Now do you see why it died?
Why not? Something has got to give! Gas is out the roof and going higher everyday. There is no transportation without government funding. Why not help the railroads upgrade their lines to accomodate freight and passengers? In these tough times, I know a lot of folks who would love to take the train and leave the gas guzzler in the garage. Not to mention the new jobs created to construct the line upgrades and run the trains.
Makes too much sense not to happen!
You mean revert to how they were doing it before Amtrak was formed?
And why does it have to be Class 1s? Don't Class 2s and 3s get a shot?
Seems to be what you guys are saying?
First thing- All Forms of Transportation require some form of subsidy be it road(Fed and state highway funds) water (Army Corp of Enigineers Locks and Dams and Coast Guard) Air( FAA and local airports) Pipelines (right of way aquisition)
So be it do we write a check each year to CSX,NS,CN,CP,BNSF,UP and FEC to run passenger trains under a direct contract with the USDOT?
This as opposed to Writing a check to amtrak who then turns around a write a check to all the above mentioned for track rental?
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