T
TT
Guest
Funding Amtrak: who shall lead the quest for adequate funds in 2015 and beyond?
I am unsure as to whom is taking the lead to promote the sustainability of passenger trains:
Will Amtrak supporters lead the charge and begin the brainstorming needed to find a party capable of beginning an initiative to (dare I say demand) seek and justify adequate funding? We know such funding is needed to repair equipment, deteriorating infrastructure, adequately run LD Trains and provide a class of service that is at least moderately comparable to European and Asian trains?
Here is a question: Do we really need an abundance of High Speed Rail in America? Couldn't we leave the "high speed sectors" to the air carriers - and be satisfied with a negotiated adequate funding to repair infrastructure and enable the running LD trains for convenience and necessity to citizens across the land? Can we make a deal with Congress to put this all to bed once and for all: to enable our current Amtrak services so we can get on with our business?
There needs to be a comprehensive plan for PR and funding development initiative that is organized and led by Amtrak's railfan support base and is far reaching into America. Such must effectively show Congress and change the thinking of "the 100 congresspersons who voted against Amtrak funds" the following and more:
1. Job one is: Amtrak rail transportation is not just a "liberal entitlement". Amtrak service is apolitical and serves all of America's citizens, equally and with what tools it has on hand.
2. Amtrak provides essential convenience and necessity and a life line to many regions in an eco-friendly and increasingly popular service - record ridership 31 million and growing. Services to those important and growing number of constituents and more cannot be allowed to falter.
3. Amtrak is very close to paying for itself; operating with a minimal of funds as opposed to other federally-funded modes such as air carriers. Not a claim that the airline industry can make.
4. Constituents must demand and explanation and rational answer from "the 100 congresspersons" why Amtrak is allowed to starve and airlines get an over abundance of subsidies.
Here is the main point of contention: the top airlines are purported to receive $71.5 billion in subsidies: http://news.yahoo.com/Etihad-says-top-us-airlines-71-5-bn-170049021.html
Such an amazingly high amount subsidized to for-profit organizations all while nickel and diming
the daylights out of Amtrak is not only absurd and unfair to constituents who need Amtrak, it is totally un-American!
I am unsure as to whom is taking the lead to promote the sustainability of passenger trains:
Will Amtrak supporters lead the charge and begin the brainstorming needed to find a party capable of beginning an initiative to (dare I say demand) seek and justify adequate funding? We know such funding is needed to repair equipment, deteriorating infrastructure, adequately run LD Trains and provide a class of service that is at least moderately comparable to European and Asian trains?
Here is a question: Do we really need an abundance of High Speed Rail in America? Couldn't we leave the "high speed sectors" to the air carriers - and be satisfied with a negotiated adequate funding to repair infrastructure and enable the running LD trains for convenience and necessity to citizens across the land? Can we make a deal with Congress to put this all to bed once and for all: to enable our current Amtrak services so we can get on with our business?
There needs to be a comprehensive plan for PR and funding development initiative that is organized and led by Amtrak's railfan support base and is far reaching into America. Such must effectively show Congress and change the thinking of "the 100 congresspersons who voted against Amtrak funds" the following and more:
1. Job one is: Amtrak rail transportation is not just a "liberal entitlement". Amtrak service is apolitical and serves all of America's citizens, equally and with what tools it has on hand.
2. Amtrak provides essential convenience and necessity and a life line to many regions in an eco-friendly and increasingly popular service - record ridership 31 million and growing. Services to those important and growing number of constituents and more cannot be allowed to falter.
3. Amtrak is very close to paying for itself; operating with a minimal of funds as opposed to other federally-funded modes such as air carriers. Not a claim that the airline industry can make.
4. Constituents must demand and explanation and rational answer from "the 100 congresspersons" why Amtrak is allowed to starve and airlines get an over abundance of subsidies.
Here is the main point of contention: the top airlines are purported to receive $71.5 billion in subsidies: http://news.yahoo.com/Etihad-says-top-us-airlines-71-5-bn-170049021.html
Such an amazingly high amount subsidized to for-profit organizations all while nickel and diming
the daylights out of Amtrak is not only absurd and unfair to constituents who need Amtrak, it is totally un-American!