Title: Amtrak
1Amtrak
Amtrak
Derailed By Joseph Vranich Presentation by
Michael Gross
2History
- Since the beginning rail passenger service has
been operated by private companies. - 1950s declining rail passenger service from
competition automobiles and airplanes. - Final blow came in 1967 when US post office gave
contracts for 1st class mail service to airplanes
and trucks. - NRPC created to lobby for national passenger
train service.
3The Beginning
- On Oct. 14 1970 Congress passed NRPC.
- On May 1, 1971 Amtrak (American Travel by Track)
was born. - 440 passenger trains running on April 30, 1971 to
184 passenger trains running on May 1, 1971 under
Amtrak.
4(No Transcript)
5Problems with Amtrak
- Has never been able to earn a profit.
- 7.5 billion dollars in subsidies.
- Service is terrible.
- Slow and late trains. (handout)
- Trains leaving at odd hours.
- Ludicrous layovers.
- Poor conditions on trains.
- Rodents on trains.
- No food or beverage service on its most popular
route. - http//search.csmonitor.com/specials/amtrak/index.
html
6(No Transcript)
7Structural Failure
- Divided Authority
- Public or Private entity.
- Perverse Incentives.
- Establish train routes for senators and
employees. - Questionable Personnel Selection
- Use of Freight services.
- Poorly designed processes.
- Slow trains are result of poor infrastructure and
padding of schedule.
8(No Transcript)
9Institutionalization
- Works to maintain monopoly on passenger service
by rubbing out competition. - Priority 1 as maintaining processes.
- Incrementalists rail projects loose touch w/
reality. - Federal Employers Liability Act.
- Lower proof than worker compensation.
- Railway Labor Act.
- Severance Pay for 6 years.
10(No Transcript)
11Dismantle Amtrak
- The nationalized Amtrak system is unable to
provide the kind of train transportation that
America needs at a price it can afford. - End long distance train service
- End the monopoly.
- Allow independent high speed rail projects to
take place.
12Late train results in tense standoffThe late
operation of Amtrak's northbound 1300 has
prompted disgruntled passengers to seize the
train. The Heartache Flyer has been parked on a
siding outside Norman, Oklahoma since December
28. Dispatchers refused to give it priority over
freights on the busy single-track line. After
sitting for over 72 hours, tired passengers on
the all-coach train commandeered the baggage cars
and converted them into makeshift dormitories.
The scene is now littered with clotheslines and
other signs of domestic life. Negotiators have
been called in.