Greg Moore wrote:Yes, we can all question Amtrak's logic, but we can't necessarily expect a reply here. As for the focus simply on revenue equipment, in case you missed it, Amtrak just made a fairly large purchase of cars that will be in revenue service.
But as others have pointed out, w/o the ability to actually switch trains, do maintenance, etc, there wouldn't BE any revenue trains. At that point folks would be bemoaning the fact that Amtrak was buying revenue cars that it couldn't use due to lack of infrastructure.
To me this sounds mostly like a case of sour-grapes.
Again - it's all about appearances, and the fact that Amtrak did this is a black eye, considering that each and every person at Amtrak is fighting for their careers and their lives right now. No, there isn't going to be a reply, but I've already "made my peace" knowing that Amtrak probably won't survive much longer. I like riding the Empire Builder and the Coast Starlight, but I'll get used to flying when I have to.
Amtrak needs switchers, fine. No one doubts the physical need of a light switching locomotive. What is questionable is:
1. Just what condition are the current switchers in? Can they be rebuilt? Do they just need an overhaul? How "unreliable" are they?
If a switcher breaks down, it probably isn't a fatal incident that involves the delay of passenger trains (unless the switcher dies out on the mainline), or the safety of passengers. Inconvenient? You bet.
2. What are the alternatives? Can other locomotives be acquired, or even leased, at a cheaper price? New locomotives almost ALWAYS cost more than a rebuilt locomotive, so I wonder about the justification of buying a brand new switcher. When is the last time a Class One railroad, or any freight railroad, bought a new switcher? They obiviously know something - that switchers do actually last longer because they don't work as hard as a road locomotive, they can be rebuilt/overhauled to made last longer, retired road locomotives can be made into switchers (how many ATSF GP-7s are STILL around today!!), and that switchers are not a necessary capital expense?
Again - it's all about appearances, and when there are budget crunchers out there saying Amtrak spends capital funds designed to rebuild the NEC on non-essential costs, and then complains it needs more money to overhaul track and equipment (when it got the money in the first place), it's easy to get fed up and walk away. It's decisions like this that are going to kill Amtrak.