TiBike
OBS Chief
H/T to Train Orders, here's the link to the official notice:
www.federalregister.gov/d/2017-14355
www.federalregister.gov/d/2017-14355
The answers to most or all of your questions are to be found in the referenced document.So much depends on the requirements.
Will winner have to keep present crews and staff? Pay them the same? Keep positions the same way Amtrak does? Will existing union rules apply? Can they change levels of service?
What changes can be made in routing, dealing with host RR, times, etc? Are they restricted by Arrow's limitations on reservations? Must they use Amtrak's reservation people?
What changes can they make in other areas like having an auto-carrying car, adding their own private cars for higher level of sleeper service (ala the Canadian)? Will they be given enough cars to add sleepers and coaches as needed? Can they provide "their own" (i.e. leased) additional cars when they want as long as those cars are roadworthy?
Amtrak current trackage does not transfer. Yet you may not run less service or short distances. However even the most basic need for a slot for the train is not included.I've only had a chance to skim thus far, but the real deal killer (among several) is that the host (freight) railroads are under no obligation to grant anyone other than Amtrak access, and any potential bidders must have preliminary agreement with all hosts before submitting a bid. Anything so much as hinting at "open access" sends the major freight roads running for the hills, so that is effectively a non-starter.
Any and all.Which routes?
If that will save me more than $20 on my taxes having to pay for it, count me in!Can we all chip in and purchase one of the routes? I'll pay $20, that should be more than sufficient. Presenting Amtrak Unlimited Empire Builder
This!The only bidders that are vaguely plausible are freight operators themselves.
But really this is the classic D.C. Equation:
Noise + Paper = Accomplishment.
Sure...and they are regional/commuter services with their costs covered. They aren't running trains through multiple states. If they were interested in running long distance service or additional services, you'd see them submitting bids for the various commuter contracts that have been up in recent years (such as C-DOT, Knowledge Corridor,MBTA/MBCR,VRE,MARC)...that have their costs covered.What about other railroads in other parts of the country...don't the freight roads still run some of the Chicago RTA routes, and by choice?
BNSF and UP operate portions of the Metra system. BNSF also operates Seattle-area Sounder.What about other railroads in other parts of the country...don't the freight roads still run some of the Chicago RTA routes, and by choice?
IMHO, this "idiotic bidding concept" reeks of Congress. I am sure that this isn't Amtrak's idea. Someone in Congress probably loudly proclaimed that several freight railroads have personally contacted him, begging to take over LD, intercity, passenger train service. And use this to backup their claim that any well-run passenger service can easily turn a major profit.This idiotic bidding concept entertains the idea that an operator will take on revenue risk. It's simply not going to happen.
Enter your email address to join: