Amtrak routes?

Question

Should there be more Amtrak routes in the United States like there was back in the 70's/80's? There doesn't seem to be very many Amtrak routes anymore like there was back in the 70's/80's and not every medium-full size city has an Amtrak Station anymore, I think it would do alot of good for the highways by increasing the Amtrak routes.

Answer 1

First things first, Amtrak needs to be brought back to a state of good repair and secure funding. The next thing is working out issues on existing routes -- outside the North East, Amtrak owns very little if any trackage, and is at the mercy of the host railroad's dispatching. Something to relieve the delays there should be worked out, be it more double tracking or passing tracks endorsed through Amtrak's funding. Once that is sorted out, much of the equipment in storage needs to be revived to operating and repaired condition (such as the decade old P40's with over 1,000,000 miles on them).

Secondly, I believe Amtrak could be expanded and be a good alternative. There are many routes in the NE and even out west where passenger rail needs to be revived. The problem is a lot of former trackage is either owned by private railroads that control the trackage and/or the track also has been deteriorated to lower class trackage with low top speeds (40mph, for instance). Also, for operation over 79mph, upgraded signals and cab signaling is required.

All in all, its a good plan, but as it stands the probability is doubtful.

BTW, responding to preceeding posts about freight... As other posts indicate, its not just a matter of running more freight trains nor does it have anything to do with laying new tracks.. Freight railroads are busier than ever... Taking more trucks off the roads would require getting more companies to ship by rail. No matter how busy they are, freight is run by demand, not on any set schedule -- its not like a passenger train where it'll always be there at any given time. Freight thrives on efficiency and only operating what it needs, when it needs.

Answer 2

The short answer is a resounding, "Yes." As Metra (the greater Chicago area's commuter-rail agency) learned recently, if one builds new routes and stations the passengers will come. Amtrak, and God Bless those who try and keep her running with the little funding with which they are given (a trip on the railroad is actually quite enjoyable), they do a wonderful job, is unforunately a rather abysmal example of how to properly manage and maintain a passenger-rail agency because those in charge of its operations are extremely ignorant and frankly have no idea of how to do so (not to mention the toying Amtrak receives when it comes to funding). In any event, that's another argument for another topic.

If you would like to see this country's best example (California would be another) of how to properly operate and manage a passenger-rail agency take a look at what North Carolina is doing, their work down there is nearly impeccable (something that Amtrak's managers could take a few notes from).

Answer 3

Every busy Interstate and U.S. highway (e.g. 93 between Phoenix and Las Vegas) needs to be coupled with a dedicated, high-speed rail system so people aren't forced to drive. The funding and land required for this, however, is harder to come by than it was in the past when the U.S. government was selling land out West for 5 cents an acre. Although, the middle of some Interstates wouldn't be a bad place to put it.

Answer 4

I live in Chicago and have taken Amtrak many times. It seems to go to a lot of smaller cities, not just the larger metropolitan areas. Go to their websit and take a look. It is an OK mode of transportation, if you dont mind delays and unfomfortable seats. If you live in a larger metro area, take a look at megabus.com. VERY inexpensive. dependable, clean and comfortable. Otherwise just fly.

Answer 5

I also think that they should increase the numbers of the freight trains on certain routes so we wouldn't have so many semi trucks driving along the highways, I think that every major railline that travels at least 1/3 of the country should have at least 50 trains a day.

Answer 6

Oh definitely, it would help people save money on gas due to the rising fuel prices and it would help lower the gas prices, we also need to increase the freight train traffic so we can have fewer semi trucks on the road.

Answer 7

I agree. Amtrak also needs to make their service more luxurious...

Answer 8

i believe with the high rise in the gas prices, they should definatly add more train tracks, if it were easier to use, they would become just as popular as the metro systems

Answer 9

Yes there should be. I would take the train over anything else.