After reading the article (thanks for the link!!) I believe it makes total sense. It’s very apparent, to me at least, that if Amtrak (or Anderson) could get rid of everything other than the NE corridor, they would. In a heart beat.
Unfortunately, the US of A is a huge country. People outside the NE corridor should have the same right to travel by rail. Not everyone can drive, many people can’t fly. In a country this size it is the government’s job to make sure these tax paying citizens have safe and affordable transportation options. So split up Amtrak. Keep the short haul in the NE and create a long haul division. Keep the Chicago base but create a second long haul base (Dallas for example). Charge fares that cover the costs of doing business as much as possible, while using the airlines play book of charging extra for bags, food, entertainment, etc for coach passengers. I mean fair prices, 5 bucks foe a reheated cheeseburger is fair, $10 not so much.
Make the sleeper fares resemble what you get when you fly first class or business. Better accommodations, better lounge access (real lounges, not pretend lounges) good meals and complimentary beverages. If airplanes can have wi-fi then why can’t trains? Tweet the system until it becomes cost neutral. It doesn’t have to be profitable, it just needs to not lose money. Aviation receives government assistance from the federal government, rail travel should be afforded the same assistance when and where necessary.
This post is totally my own thought and I’d imagine most people will disagree with me but it just seems Amtrak could be so much better and get to a point where we can all stop worrying about losing this train or this service. Anderson ran a full service airline, I want to see him 4un a full service rail system. If you provide a good product people will be more willing to pay for it.
Sorry - last rant but, why for the love of God does Amtrack not use airline type beverage carts for coach? These carts could sell soft drinks, juice, alcoholic beverages as well as small snack items. Give the crew a percentage of the profit to help motivate the sales.
You could even offer BOB (buy on board) warm snacks and sandwiches and have them delivered from the cafe car.
Would any of these ideas work? If not, why? Looking for meaningful answers, if I’m just being dumb find a nice way to tell me