by R36 Combine Coach
The USDOT has an "Essential Air Service" program which provides federally subsidized passenger airline service to rural and low-density areas and smaller communities, usually as connecting shuttles or feeder flights to nearby major hub cities.
Would a "Essential Rail Service" program be a feasible concept? The Canadian Government does have such a policy, with VIA passenger service in Northern Ontario and Quebec and the on the Hudson Bay and Keewatin lines as well as flag stops in rural communities along the Canadian route. Ontario Northland provides service between Cochrane and Moosonee, and Algoma Central ran scheduled service until a funding crisis a year ago.
In a Essential Rail Service program, service could be provided by local or state agencies or by freight railroad carriers (Class I, regional carrier or shortline) under contract. Such service is a form of rural mass transit, which would provide additional transportation choices and potential economic growth in smaller communities.
Note: Some might consider Amtrak's western LD routes as a form of essential rail service, but will not be part of the discussion here.
Would a "Essential Rail Service" program be a feasible concept? The Canadian Government does have such a policy, with VIA passenger service in Northern Ontario and Quebec and the on the Hudson Bay and Keewatin lines as well as flag stops in rural communities along the Canadian route. Ontario Northland provides service between Cochrane and Moosonee, and Algoma Central ran scheduled service until a funding crisis a year ago.
In a Essential Rail Service program, service could be provided by local or state agencies or by freight railroad carriers (Class I, regional carrier or shortline) under contract. Such service is a form of rural mass transit, which would provide additional transportation choices and potential economic growth in smaller communities.
Note: Some might consider Amtrak's western LD routes as a form of essential rail service, but will not be part of the discussion here.
Since my friend continues to chain smoke nonstop, she is probably an Alco.