by David Benton
"Socialist" countries generally have universal pensions, provided by the government.But its a bit hard to follow an argument that something is good or successful because Insurance companies and pension funds invest in them. these arguments can go around in circles and are not overly relevant to Amtrak long distance trains.
I would like to know what would make LD trains acceptable to the anti LD posters.
- Covering their direct costs, i.e the cost of running hem less the cost of stopping them ?
-Doubling their payment to host railroads , Trile , whatever ?
- Making a small profit?
I don't buy that Amtrak LD is a complete basketcase. I think it would be possible to cover their direct costs , or come close. We can ignore capital costs because they are ignored for the NEC , corridor and virtually every other mode. I do think they could be made more efficient at the least. The ideas and concepts have been trashed out on here , in the Priia reports and Congress, Amtrak has done virtually nothing to make fundamental changes. It seems to be hellbent on showing any change makes alot of negatives , with little savings. Al a food on the LSL. I think there is at least a subconscious feeling that costs can be loaded on the LS's , because they are politically untouchable.
Fred's column comes up with several ideas , that could at least be tried on one route to gauge the response. Does anyone expect Amtrak to try any of them ???
That dead inertia seems to be built in to any old institution , public or private. It takes generations to change it, unless something drastic happens.
I would like to know what would make LD trains acceptable to the anti LD posters.
- Covering their direct costs, i.e the cost of running hem less the cost of stopping them ?
-Doubling their payment to host railroads , Trile , whatever ?
- Making a small profit?
I don't buy that Amtrak LD is a complete basketcase. I think it would be possible to cover their direct costs , or come close. We can ignore capital costs because they are ignored for the NEC , corridor and virtually every other mode. I do think they could be made more efficient at the least. The ideas and concepts have been trashed out on here , in the Priia reports and Congress, Amtrak has done virtually nothing to make fundamental changes. It seems to be hellbent on showing any change makes alot of negatives , with little savings. Al a food on the LSL. I think there is at least a subconscious feeling that costs can be loaded on the LS's , because they are politically untouchable.
Fred's column comes up with several ideas , that could at least be tried on one route to gauge the response. Does anyone expect Amtrak to try any of them ???
That dead inertia seems to be built in to any old institution , public or private. It takes generations to change it, unless something drastic happens.
Moderator worldwide railfan , Rail travel & trip reports
The only train trips I regret are the ones I didn't take.
The only train trips I regret are the ones I didn't take.