Do you think the FRA and freight companies are holding passenger rail back?

Question

US freight rail service and road pavement is number one in the world. (While the rail passenger service is a distant 24th)

Answer 1

No, I dont think so, you are totally right about U/S rail service but I see it as more of a population density issue, more people = more potential riders.
And, our highway system makes auto travel more attractive than in a lot of other countries, so much so that we really dont even have other viable options. Our elected representatives rarely think in terms of long-term benefits to the populace and are very reluctant to fund passenger rail systems at the level needed to be a good system. All they see is the effect on the next election. Rail travel needs to be funded to be workable.

Answer 2

I believe that the biggest thing holding beck passenger rail in the US is passenger rail.
By law passenger trains running on freight rr track have priority. Even with this Amtrak can't get from a to b on time in most of the country.
Another thing holding it back is the wasteful attempt of amtrak to run cross-country. Lets face it, the US is just too large for rail service to be competetive on long routes. IMO they should be concentrating on a regional network, I understand they do quite well in the northeast.

Answer 3

Rail lines dedicated to passenger or freight use are constructed in the same way, using the same methods. Most railroad tracks are suitable for either freight or passenger use, though there are some additional safety devices required for passenger corridors. These are not necessarily part of the track construction contract. Most railroad tracks in the USA now are built by private contractors, regardless of the planned use. These contractors use union labor where required by state and federal law. The same crews and personnel are used in the construction of both types of lines.

Answer 4

The short answer is that it is not so much either the FRA or freight railroads as the government who perennially under funds Amtrak and passenger rail in general. Contact your local congressman/woman if you would like to see some changes.]

Actually most intercity and long distance trains are nearly always full (just look at the Empire Builder), so these trains do continue to hold merit (and if more on-board amenities were available, like on-board created and served dinners and meals, would likely carry even more passengers, another result of under funding).

Answer 5

I don't think it's the fault of the freight lines per se... though I take the ACE (Altamont Commuter Express) and some sections of the UP track are pure garbage.

I'd blame the DOT for the Freeways !! It's just too easy to drive... or if over any distance, to fly.

Answer 6

im a conductor for a freight company and let me tell you.. passernger trains get priorty. i have sat on many trains for 2, 3,4, hours at time while commuter trains pass ... i dont know why they even run freight trains during that time ... so no .. at least on my part of the RR , passenger trains get priority...

Answer 7

No I don't....I think its the demand. The majority of people would rather fly to their destination,its faster. Most Americans do not want to spend 3/4 days traviling coast to coast. I wouldnt mind it there is alot of pretty country to see. You miss all of it a 33,000 feet.

Answer 8

America loves it car.
Reason one
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