This year’s Rail-Volution was held in Dallas. A few observations:
- Amtrak’s infamous “Market Based Study” may not ever be fully released to the general public. Instead, it “might” come out in piece-meal form, with the information contained in various business plans, over time. The first portion of the so-called “Study” will most likely be seen in November, and that will probably be nothing more than a basic overview of where Amtrak is right now (in Trouble) and where they would like to go (someplace other than Trouble)…
- The “Study” will not contain any specific recommendations for additional routes to be added to Amtrak’s basic system! It may contain (eventually, but not at first) some examples of system expansion that would be possible with (and only with) State assistance (but most likely not including the price tag)…
- Conversely, there are no specific routes set aside for immediate elimination, either (that was the “good news”). The “Marketing Study” will most likely concentrate on train specifics (by spring 2000?) reviewing, for example, the presence of Dining Cars on one train and Lounge cars on another.
- All of Amtrak’s energy will be focused on Corridor Plans. If any geographical area expects expanded service, they need to be prepared to pay. PERIOD.
- There are apparently no plans for additional “non-high speed” equipment orders. Long Distance trains are seen by most Am-officials as nothing more than useless drains on the system, hopeless for anything except (insert the “L” word) travel. If you ever want to watch someone’s eyes glaze over (it can be fairly entertaining, in a macabre sort of way), mention something like the potential use of long-haul trains for overnight business transportation to a Management-level Amtrak employee.
– Garl Latham
