The state-owned Alaska Railroad Corp. said Monday it earned a net income of $6.6 million in 2001 on operating revenues of $93.5 million. That performance compares to net income in 2000 of more than $16.6 million on operating revenues of $83.9 million, according to the railroad's annual report. Those earnings reflected federal grants of $14.4 million in 2000 compared to grants of $2.6 million in 2001. The railroad's 2001 performance included healthy freight and real estate operations, corporation officials said. "In keeping with the railroad's run on success, 2001 was a banner year," board chairman Johne Binkley said. "With 2001 financial statement's reflecting record freight and real estate revenues, the railroad's fiscal successes and past accomplishments will serve as a springboard to move into new frontiers." Although it is owned by the state, the Alaska Railroad receives no state funding. The 535-mile railroad, which runs from Fairbanks to Seward, was built by the federal government and transferred to state ownership in 1985. Now this is state owned and managed and, through a combination of freight/passenger/and tourist haulage, has made money. Perhaps Amtrak could look to this model for it's own Russ
Russ, the Alaskan environment is totally different from the lower 48. The following may not be absolutely correct, but it's not far off. - Alaska has very few long distance roads. - Alaska has minimal scheduled airline service. - Alaska has one major long distance rail line, Seward/Anchorage/Fairbanks. - The one (I believe) daily long distance passenger train will stop anywhere(!) along the route to board and drop folks. - The one (I believe) daily long distance freight train does not conflict with the passenger train. - Tourist traffic between Seward, Anchorage, Denali, and Fairbanks is a MAJOR source of income. However, I believe there is only one tourist train per day at the most. - Alaskans are much more relaxed, they do not HAVE to arrive at their destinations within an hour! There is no comparison between ARR operations and any railroad in the lower 48. Amtrak can survive ONLY when we, who live in the lower 48, demand(!) a third transportation alternative to Airlines and Automobiles. But as long as we either MUST be in a hurry or MUST be in control, Amtrak will not get any support.
Right on the money Hank! I will agree with that 100%. I was just saying that the Alaska RR is State owned and managed to make a profit. It is possible. Amtrak must cut the bloat and the government must stop funding all these superhighays. Russ
Yeah. Like that will ever happen. Take a look at what's happening in Houston. There is a project scheduled to begin later this year by TxDOT and Harris County, with federal funding of course, that will increase I-10 west of Houston (the Katy Freeway; named for the town, which was named for the railroad) from 10 lanes including frontage roads to a total of 22 lanes, including 4 lanes of county owned toll road. A week or so ago, the head of Metro in Houston sent a letter to the various bodies involved asking them to leave some provisions for adding light rail to the project at a future date. The county commissioners and the two congressmen whose districts cover this project went ballistic saying they will sue to keep Metro from delaying even one shovel of dirt being turned. Ironically, the freeway will be expanded onto the old Katy right of way. Also, in October 2000 Tom DeLay (the House Majority Whip, who just happens to be MY congressman) put language into the federal transportation appropriations bill denying Houston funds for building a light rail line down Main Street. As long as people in Congress have this kind of attitude, there will never be any comprehensive rail transportation system in this country. On the other hand, I encourage everybody to take a look at the Trans Texas Corridor proposed by Gov. Rick Perry. There is a short writeup in the latest Trains magazine. There is also more information on the Governor's web site and the TxDOT web site. Dwight [ 03 April 2002, 17:43: Message edited by: Dwightman ]
These congressfolk are elected officials and can not make decisions on their own, without consulting their constituents. If this is what is happening, then we the American people are the guilty ones. I always try to get to my local board meetings (which by the way is always great entertainment here in NY)and raise cain when possible. Those who can not attend are always encouraged to write their congressmen. I find it very hard to believe that people would rather have a highway near their homes but no rail. I think that your representative may be representing his own interests and that of some other districts. The same applies to Amtrak. If more people would speak up about the need for passenger rail, our officials would be forced to do something. Unfortunately (Especially here in NY) everyone wants it so long as it's not in their backyard. Russ
