How to fix Amtrak

Decades of political neglect and bureaucratic disorganization have led to Amtrak's present state of collapse - despite the record number of people that rely on its service every day. The March 2009 Trains magazine cover story puts in global and economic perspective the passenger rail service's dire state of affairs. Complimentary copies of the article and issue are available upon request for the media.
Published: Tuesday, February 10, 2009
February 10, 2009
WAUKESHA, Wis. — Americans need more passenger trains. They're riding the rails in record numbers and Amtrak trains across the United States routinely sell out. However, years of neglect by the federal government have left Amtrak ill prepared to meet this overwhelming demand from the public. Are politicians ignoring the will of the American people, or is there something more behind it?

To speak with Loving or to request a complimentary copy of the article or magazine, please contact Matt Quandt at 262.798.6484 or mquandt@kalmbach.com.

In a special report in the March 2009 Trains magazine, prominent business writer Rush Loving Jr. looks at the tenuous relationship between Amtrak, the federal agency that runs America's passenger trains, and the politicians and bureaucrats who decide whether Amtrak lives or dies. Loving, a former associate editor of Fortune magazine who has been writing about Amtrak and rail transportation for decades, uncovers the root problems that have prevented the U.S. from developing a world-class passenger railroad system: insufficient funding, weak political support, inconsistent management, and aging equipment.

Loving presents a plan for reforming the way passenger trains are planned, managed, and funded. Following the steps will improve the service we have today and bring passenger trains to more people in more places. Rebuilding America's passenger rail system improves mobility, creates jobs, improves the environment, and strengthens the economy.

The major issues confronting Amtrak
The United States is facing a transportation crisis.
Highways are crowded; airlines are unreliable. Passenger trains would be the best solution to meet America's growing demand for travel - but rail service is insufficient or nonexistent.

Passenger trains should not be expected to make money.
Government officials must give up the myth that passenger trains should make money. They cannot make money on their own, but their existence enables a healthy economy, just like highways and city transit systems.

The federal government must stop seeing transportation modes in isolation (highways, airways, rail, and water transport).
The government must develop policies that that will assess how to move Americans efficiently using combinations of all modes. This will require building more airport train stations and more park-and-rides.

Washington must act now to replace aging equipment.
Amtrak's fleet of passenger cars and locomotives is falling apart even as trains are selling out system-wide. Some cars are more than 50 years old, and even the newest equipment is 10 years old. A comprehensive program of car repair and new equipment orders must begin immediately.
Subscriber and Member Login
E-mail Address:
Password:
Remember me