Our rail system is nothing short of disgraceful. Hopefully, this is one of the positive turn-arounds that comes from our tragic event.<ul><li><a href="http://www.amtrak.com/">Amtrak</a></li></ul>

 

and the last time I rode, which was 1991, it was pleasant and inexpensive.

What should we expect out of rail service? I got a lot better service than the airlines even back then.

This brings me to my airline rant, which I will spare you from. OK, changed my mind. Explain to my how airlines that were losing money or operating on slim profit margins are filing bankruptcy after their business was interrupted for a week and a half??? They dug their own grave. The ones that had good enough management and operating plans to do well should be saved by my tax dollars. The ones that were going in the toilet due to their own long term problems should fail. The jobs lost will be re-created at the surviving companies. American business needs airlines to do business. The business will return. I think once the Air Marshals are back in place (and people know there is someone armed on their side on the plane) then confidence will increase. The media, in reporting that all of these businesses are failing because of 1.5 weeks of shutdown or slow business fail to inform the public of the larger picture. WHO IN THE HELL RUNS A BUSINESS WITH LESS THAN 10 DAYS OPERATING CAPITAL ON HAND?? SOmeone who doesn't know how to run one, and that's a business my money didn't need to be invested in anyway, and wasn't for the record.

You can ignore me if you would like, I just wanted to vent. I feel better now, and didn't intend to get anyone's goat up. I am sure I don't have all of my facts straight. My area of expertise in in computers, networks and computer management.

Thanks, I now return you to your regularly scheduled post about AMTRAK.

 

Their new logo reminds me of Reebok's logo.

 

Allow me to be a master of the obvious: compared to rest of western world we don't have a train system. I know, I know, I know...cars, planes and interstate highways have been developed to exclusion of any *real* rail system to move people. I've been waiting for yet another monumental energy bust where once again we are caught unprepared with alternate transportation systems. It has become an instant truth that under 300 miles rail is a breakeven (time) system. Instantly, the trains are sold out for every available seat on their traditional *milk runs*. A modern, high speed system would offer a breakeven (time) at 500 miles.

It will take us decades to catch-up.

If you have been to Europe you will know precisely what I mean...serious high speed, high volume rail systems.

Still not convinced? Try using their web site to plan a trip. Jeez!

 

<ul><li><a href="http://www.vote-smart.org/">http://www.vote-smart.org/</a</li></ul>