On a discussion forum of rail travelers, it is hoped that this subject will prove interesting and provoke thought. Of course the title of this post is all speculation and there will be different opinions but we are here to share these. Here are mine.
If we look at Amtrak's long term plans, there are many different ideas on expanding service and routes. There are often talked about here. It is also common knowledge that the organization is always short of funds to implement these plans. Despite some opposition in congress to passenger rail subsidies, the obvious shortfalls of the system and the lack of funds; Amtrak ridership continues to rise and will keep rising. I predict that a larger and improved national passenger rail system is inevitable. The price of oil continues to rise at record levels. This will have a dramatic effect on air, and auto travel. It should also bring about a new focus on passenger rail transportation.
Rail transportation is the most energy efficient form of transportation and if you've seen a CSX ad recently, that is clearly pointed out. Rail travel provides about 450 passenger miles/ per gallon (or there about) so in theory Amtrak can move 450 passenger, one mile on one gallon of fuel. That relates to less than 2,93 BTU of energy used per passenger mile. No other form of transportation comes close.
According to studies that I have researched on an energy per mile cost:
Amtrak consumes 16.1% and 31.1% less energy per passenger-mile than airlines and cars, respectively.
Here is a comparison on BTU's (energy) used per passenger mile. (Lower numbers are better)
Amtrak: 2,435 (#1 most efficient)
Rail Transit Systems 2,516
Commuter rail: 2,812
Domestic Airlines: 2,901
Automobiles: 3,538
If we complain about the current minimalist Amtrak routes and service this will need to change and the escalating price of fuel will force it to change. We also have the TSA to thank in driving away former airline travelers like myself. The point that I am making is that the growth of rail travel will continue unabated. Perhaps the best days of passenger rail in our time are about to come.
Is your opinion as optimistic as mine?
If we look at Amtrak's long term plans, there are many different ideas on expanding service and routes. There are often talked about here. It is also common knowledge that the organization is always short of funds to implement these plans. Despite some opposition in congress to passenger rail subsidies, the obvious shortfalls of the system and the lack of funds; Amtrak ridership continues to rise and will keep rising. I predict that a larger and improved national passenger rail system is inevitable. The price of oil continues to rise at record levels. This will have a dramatic effect on air, and auto travel. It should also bring about a new focus on passenger rail transportation.
Rail transportation is the most energy efficient form of transportation and if you've seen a CSX ad recently, that is clearly pointed out. Rail travel provides about 450 passenger miles/ per gallon (or there about) so in theory Amtrak can move 450 passenger, one mile on one gallon of fuel. That relates to less than 2,93 BTU of energy used per passenger mile. No other form of transportation comes close.
According to studies that I have researched on an energy per mile cost:
Amtrak consumes 16.1% and 31.1% less energy per passenger-mile than airlines and cars, respectively.
Here is a comparison on BTU's (energy) used per passenger mile. (Lower numbers are better)
Amtrak: 2,435 (#1 most efficient)
Rail Transit Systems 2,516
Commuter rail: 2,812
Domestic Airlines: 2,901
Automobiles: 3,538
If we complain about the current minimalist Amtrak routes and service this will need to change and the escalating price of fuel will force it to change. We also have the TSA to thank in driving away former airline travelers like myself. The point that I am making is that the growth of rail travel will continue unabated. Perhaps the best days of passenger rail in our time are about to come.
Is your opinion as optimistic as mine?