This article delves into a crucial transportation topic. As a former Amtrak rider and consultant, I’d like to share a few insights.
First, the culture of public transportation needs significant improvement. Sleeping on the job is an accepted practice among rail maintenance crews and rolling stock workers. Years ago, management abandoned efforts to enhance work efficiency and has essentially surrendered to its unions. Enthusiastic workers often find themselves undervalued for their contributions, while a stoic “you-can’t-change-it” culture hinders progress.
Second, Amtrak was established as a corporation without shareholders. This lack of performance guidance and profit incentives hinders its ability to compete with private enterprises. For instance, Amtrak’s balance sheet is heavily burdened by work-in-progress inventory spent on “shovel-ready projects” that never materialized. No other for-profit corporation in the world would survive such excessive spending.
Furthermore, Amtrak lacks the necessary oversight from the Federal government in appropriations, budgeting, and Treasury funds management reporting. This unique position, neither a government agency nor a genuine for-profit corporation, lacks accountability and governance advantages. GAO occasionally reports on Amtrak’s operations, revealing findings like “They purchase a can of Coke for .50 cents, sell it for 2.00 dollars, and incur a loss of $1.40 on every purchase (2012).” Additionally, Amtrak was one of the largest purchasers of air travel. This was due, unfortunately, to many of its long-distance lines face staffing and equipment challenges, leading to passengers being disembarked, bused to hotels, and flown to their destinations. Such insight is telling although leads to few actual improvements.
To truly be a partner in our transportation blueprint, Amtrak needs help establishing a legitimate governance structure that is efficient, accountable, and consistently funded.
It's not unreasonable for the commuter rail systems to want separate tracks to avoid FRA regulations, not having to install incomparable electric systems, or to avoid signal problems from disrupting service.
This article delves into a crucial transportation topic. As a former Amtrak rider and consultant, I’d like to share a few insights.
First, the culture of public transportation needs significant improvement. Sleeping on the job is an accepted practice among rail maintenance crews and rolling stock workers. Years ago, management abandoned efforts to enhance work efficiency and has essentially surrendered to its unions. Enthusiastic workers often find themselves undervalued for their contributions, while a stoic “you-can’t-change-it” culture hinders progress.
Second, Amtrak was established as a corporation without shareholders. This lack of performance guidance and profit incentives hinders its ability to compete with private enterprises. For instance, Amtrak’s balance sheet is heavily burdened by work-in-progress inventory spent on “shovel-ready projects” that never materialized. No other for-profit corporation in the world would survive such excessive spending.
Furthermore, Amtrak lacks the necessary oversight from the Federal government in appropriations, budgeting, and Treasury funds management reporting. This unique position, neither a government agency nor a genuine for-profit corporation, lacks accountability and governance advantages. GAO occasionally reports on Amtrak’s operations, revealing findings like “They purchase a can of Coke for .50 cents, sell it for 2.00 dollars, and incur a loss of $1.40 on every purchase (2012).” Additionally, Amtrak was one of the largest purchasers of air travel. This was due, unfortunately, to many of its long-distance lines face staffing and equipment challenges, leading to passengers being disembarked, bused to hotels, and flown to their destinations. Such insight is telling although leads to few actual improvements.
To truly be a partner in our transportation blueprint, Amtrak needs help establishing a legitimate governance structure that is efficient, accountable, and consistently funded.
Very glad you see attention being payed to American transportation. Very intriguing episode for a transit nerd like myself.
Reminds me of a South Park Underpants Gnome Plan:
Step 1: Steal everyone's underwear.
Step 2: ?
Step 3: ?
Step 4: ?
Step 5: Total world domination
No plan, just disjointed thoughts. Germany ... We're smart ... France ... Make 'em listen to me 'cause I'm smart.
Good luck w/ this
It's not unreasonable for the commuter rail systems to want separate tracks to avoid FRA regulations, not having to install incomparable electric systems, or to avoid signal problems from disrupting service.