Anybody have any thoughts on Amtrak.........

[bornaneer]

It sure looks like the train engineer has some explaining to do. Just watched the Mayor of Phila lay into the driver of the train. The Mayor must know what the deal is. I have done the DC to NYC run a few times and Amtrak is really not customer friendly, starting from the ticket counter to the train employees. I also once cancelled the return portion of a DC to Vermont first class train trip because the first leg overall experience was terrible.

 

[AirForceer_rivals]

It sure looks like the train engineer has some explaining to do. Just watched the Mayor of Phila lay into the driver of the train. The Mayor must know what the deal is. I have done the DC to NYC run a few times and Amtrak is really not customer friendly, starting from the ticket counter to the train employees. I also once cancelled the return portion of a DC to Vermont first class train trip because the first leg overall experience was terrible.

Going over 100 MPH into a rated 50 MPH curve.

http://news.yahoo.com/amtrak-train-...-investigation-begins-073410531--finance.html

 

[gardeneer]

Live here in Philly and I take Amtrak about once a month for work to either NYC or DC. The NE Corridor train isn't bad, usually on time, and less expensive and hassle than flying. Heck, by the time I add up gas, tolls and parking it's cheaper than driving. Problem is (in my opinion) the lack of investment in our transportation systems overall. I never realized how antiquated our trains our until my first trip to Europe last year. And I understand Japan and China are even better than Europe. Investment in our rail system, raising the rates modestly, and closing some of the Amtrak lines that just don't make any money could help update (both for safety and experience) trains as a means of transportation in this country.

 

[Walter Brennaneer]

Amtrak received $1.7 billion in 2015 for updates. Maybe put controls within train to maximize speed. If earlier reports are true 106 mph was more of issue not that tracks. I'm sure more facts will eventually emerge on this horrible accident. It does sound like the entire system is somewhat outdated though.

 

[DvlDog4WVU]

Live here in Philly and I take Amtrak about once a month for work to either NYC or DC. The NE Corridor train isn't bad, usually on time, and less expensive and hassle than flying. Heck, by the time I add up gas, tolls and parking it's cheaper than driving. Problem is (in my opinion) the lack of investment in our transportation systems overall. I never realized how antiquated our trains our until my first trip to Europe last year. And I understand Japan and China are even better than Europe. Investment in our rail system, raising the rates modestly, and closing some of the Amtrak lines that just don't make any money could help update (both for safety and experience) trains as a means of transportation in this country.

Thanks Obama.

Seriously though, I agree. I used trains all over the EU and te couple of times I've taken the train from Baltimore to DC/NYC I've been less than impressed.

 

[JLW71073]

I also think privatizing the commuter system would help.

 

[mule_eer]

I also think privatizing the commuter system would help.

The government got involved because they couldn't stay afloat as a private entity. I think there is a lot of room for improvement, but that east coast corridor is the only area where it has a prayer of being profitable.

 

[mneilmont]

Pure and simple negligence on the part of the operator. Through his atty., he said he blacked out and did not remember. But @ 106 MPH he did remember to lock emergency brake to reduce speed to 102 MPH going into 50 MPH curve. We can only buy "memory failure" if he does not hit emergency brake.

With all the damage done, this is going to be an expensive one. Don't know if Fed Govt will eventually be a party since they "didn't provide adequate funding". There is no conscious involved when politicians and lawyers arrive at the table.

 

[WVUCOOPER]

It sure looks like the train engineer has some explaining to do. Just watched the Mayor of Phila lay into the driver of the train. The Mayor must know what the deal is. I have done the DC to NYC run a few times and Amtrak is really not customer friendly, starting from the ticket counter to the train employees. I also once cancelled the return portion of a DC to Vermont first class train trip because the first leg overall experience was terrible.

I need to know if the driver(conductor?) is a conservative or a liberal before I can form an opinion.

 

[DvlDog4WVU]

I need to know if the driver(conductor?) is a conservative or a liberal before I can form an opinion.

He's in a union, what do you think?

 

[bornaneer]

He's in a union, what do you think?

One thing we do know for sure is that the Union fought and killed the plan to put cameras in the drivers compartment.

 

[JLW71073]

The government got involved because they couldn't stay afloat as a private entity. I think there is a lot of room for improvement, but that east coast corridor is the only area where it has a prayer of being profitable.

I understand and I agree with your point on the east coast corridor. It just seems that similar to freight trains maybe the commuter concept could experience the same type of success.