Amtrak, citing signs of help from Congress, backed away Friday from its threat to issue notices that would allow it to cut its long-distance train network as early as the fall. Instead, the railroad sent an update letter about its continuing quest to win $1.2 billion in federal funds for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1. The letters went to governors of the 46 states Amtrak serves. Amtrak President George Warrington wrote that he is encouraged by the response of lawmakers. However, he added, ``uncertainties associated with the legislative process'' mean Amtrak must prepare for the possibility that it will not receive enough money to maintain current service. He reiterated that 18 long-distance trains are ``at high risk.'' Warrington announced Feb. 1 that Amtrak would issue formal discontinuance notices by March 29, reserving the authority to cut routes in October when the new fiscal year begins. Amtrak is required by law to give 180 days' notice before it discontinues train service. But in his letters to the governors, Warrington said such formal notice is not necessary ``in circumstances like this, where train service rests on the availability of federal appropriations.'' The shift in tone reflects the fact that Amtrak has made headway in convincing federal officials that the nation's passenger rail system needs more money. ``My sense is that there's now a sense of urgency in Congress that wasn't there before,'' said Amtrak Vice Chairman Michael Dukakis, the former governor of Massachusetts.
What happens if they do shut down all long distance trains???????? Is anyone prepared to handle that challenge???????????
Gee am I ready? I think getting a 3 year paid vacation would be great! Probably over half of the layed off workers would collect C-2 payments for up to 3 years. Then after that we, who still had prior railroad seniority would go back working as frieght dogs. I really hope this dosen't happen. America needs a good passenger train service, Amtrak is not quite it but it is the best we have now.
I just made reservations on The Empire Builder for early September. I also took out vacation insurance. I expected that I might have a problem making those reservations because of the late date but evidently they have plenty of empty bedrooms........and that's too bad. I planned to take the train from Seattle to Chicago and then fly home to New York but air fares from Chicago to New York have become outrageous. So.....I'll take the train all the way.
Right on Railfan. Wish I could set up my next trip as I've got a bad case of cabin fever. If I do go, it'll be in three to six weeks. I'll be going to CHI on the Eagle or the Zephyr & I'll on the other. From Chicago I'll do the Lake Shore or Three Rivers to New York & spend a few days in New Jersey with friends. I'll be going then to New Orleans on the Crescent & the chicken bone Ltd. back to CHI. Sure hope I get to go. Reggie
