If the Trump Budget Passes . . .
In Washington, the Trump Administration has pretty much adopted the budget recommendations of the Heritage Foundation, one of the libertarian “think tanks” supported by the Koch brothers. As far as Amtrak is concerned, that means no federal dollars for the national network.
The probable result, while perhaps not immediate, would be the loss of almost all the long-haul trains in the West . . .
The Empire Builder
The California Zephyr
The Southwest Chief
The Texas Eagle
The Sunset Limited
One possible exception would the the Coast Starlight—assuming, of course, that California, Oregon and Washington would agree to subsidize that train. Since all three of those states have an enlightened attitude with regard to public transportation, I’m guessing that option would at least get serious consideration in the respective legislative bodies.
In terms of the long-distance trains running in the eastern part of the country, the loss of federal subsidies—as pitifully small as they are—would probably mean the end of . . .
The Lake Shore Limited
The Crescent
The Cardinal
The Silver Meteor
The Silver Star
With little but gut feeling to support me, there are two overnight trains that could possibly survive . . .
The Capitol Limited
City of New Orleans
And, finally, it would seem almost a certainty that the Auto Train would survive since I’ve been told on numerous occasions that it has always been very profitable.
There are several ironies attached to this potential disaster. First, a number of the 220 cities and towns that would lose their Amtrak service have spent a lot of taxpayer funds renovating and restoring their railroad stations. Won’t they be pleased! Second, outgoing Amtrak CEO Wick Moorman has stated publicly that eliminating the long-distance trains would not save money. To the contrary, he said it would ADD something like $440 million to Amtrak’s annual deficit.
That’s probably OK with the Cato and Heritage libertarian ideologues. What really matters to them is that the federal government would no longer be subsidizing passenger trains. They’ll feel good about that.
It would be tragic and short sighted if the politicians revoke the long distance passenger routes.Their justification is completely unfounded in every point that they hang on or ascribe to. No use to relate these, as passenger rail users and supporters are familiar with ’em.
I’ve been a user of passenger rail B4 Amtrak and continue to use this service.
However, in my opinion, long distance passenger rail service declined and greatly diminished during the reign of Joseph Boardman . . . that’s why Amtrak is on the chopping block and its survival is questionable. And, again my opinion, NARP has contributed very little effort to promote, encourage, or suggest improving and expanding long distance passenger rail, whether it be broadening or developing new routes or boosting and elevating on board services, most notably in the sleeper car and dining car domains. When did you last read, in either Amtrak’s or NARP’s literature ANY proposals which might address the issues of our concerns relating to the Cardinal, City of New Orleans, Crescent, Empire Builder . . . and I could go on and on. Yep, I’ve ridden each of ’em and in just a few years, what was considered “first class service” is not “first class service” today. This is not due to Amtrak’s on board service personnel or its station or reservation staff. Truly, most of them are exceptional. It has been Amtrak’s management, their lack of a vision, lack of creativity and lack of desire to improve and expand, or even continue long distance passenger rail.
With all due respect, NARP has actively championed many of the changes/improvements you mentioned. For instance, NARP produced and distributed radio announcements promoting a daily train to more than a hundred radio stations along the Cardinal’s route. NARP has actively worked for restoration of passenger service between New Orleans and Orlando and, to that end, organized crowds to turn out at every station along that route to greet an inspection train with FRA, Amtrak, CSX and political dignitaries aboard. NARP also organized a public protest against the removal of the dining car from the Silver Star. Our Washington staff has direct access to Amtrak’s top management and does not hesitate to take specific concerns directly to those individuals. Effective advocacy does not necessarily require public criticism which, while often pleasing to membership, can be counter productive.