To avoid apparent conflict of interest, I disclose that I worked for a railroad for a 27 years. However, the question of passenger service quality has to do with money, or lack thereof. We, in the US, choose not to invest in the rail infrastructure necessary to provide a pleasant passenger train experience. We insist that passenger service mix with freight service, with a few exceptions. Then we try to squeeze out every last maintenance dollar. We also have some geographical issues, especially in the West, with long distances between major cities, that increase costs. Perhaps the statement is apocryphal, but we used to say that Amtrak could save money by giving every rail passenger a free Greyhound bus ticket, instead of running trains. Yes, I've ridden trains in Europe, including commuter trains in the Netherlands, and the Madrid Metro, Talgo, Altaria, and AVE trains in Spain. They're wonderful, especially the AVE. However, the Spanish have made a tremendous investment in infrastructure for the AVE (it has its own tracks) and the fare is still high. The cheapest fare on the AVE is about $200 from Madrid to Sevilla, roundtrip. You can fly for $226, roundtrip. If we really wanted good passenger service, we would invest in the infrastructure, pay good management salaries, pay for the maintenance, and be willing to pay higher fares.
Sorry, I got no rant control ... Tom -- Tom Schweich http://www.schweich.com mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Malcolm McCallum wrote: > Riding the train is a great experience, unfortunately, Amtrack is so > mismanaged that it detracts from the experience. I hope some brilliant > millionaire sees the opportunity that Amtrack is throwing down the toilet > and puts together a cross-country train that actually works. I love the > train, but I hate what it has become. My Great Great Grandfather was > --------------8<------------ (snip)-----------------------------------
