Comments by Noel Braymer, RailPAC President.Published in the Western Rail Passenger Review, March 2002
There has been much discussion lately about the comparative virtues of short corridors versus longer distance inter-regional services. The conventional view, that short corridors have higher potential profitability, is widely shared but has little basis in fact. Let us consider some of the conventional myths. Read more…
During some miscellaneous travels sorting through the local spreadsheet some interesting Amtrak and airline numbers are appearing – all from FY 1999.
“URPA will continue on its present course of providing viable solutions for issues regarding passenger rail in North America.
Originally posted to the All-Aboard email list
As a thought, both the Southern and Rio Grande stayed out of Amtrak in the beginning; even the staid Seaboard Coast Line wasn’t doing poorly running the Florida trains and many have said SCL thought long and hard before jumping into Amtrak.
The following questions were found by Mr. Selden’s research staff on the Internet along with the following note. Read more…
[Originally posted to the All-Aboard email list]
Enough first-hand industry sources have now confirmed Amtrak’s plans to slash its outside sales force and cut travel agency commissions in half to move beyond the speculation point of view.
[Originally posted to the All-Aboard email list]
A gentleman on our list asked several questions about VIA service in Canada. Eight years ago I led a project that took VIA apart and put it back together again on paper for the purpose of privatizing the company. Our final report presented to Prime Minister Mulroney’s federal government ran about 800 pages, complete with timetables, marketing plans, and a review of union contracts, among many other topics.
[originally posted to the All-Aboard email list]
The major hurdle of Amtrak’s future in regards to Congressional funding and reauthorization has been crossed.
[originally posted to the All-Aboard email list]
URPA stands for United Rail Passenger Alliance. This small, but effective organization is made up of a coalition of academics, professional transportation consultants, and other contributors in various rail-related specialty areas with high levels of education and credentials. Also included are those in the travel agency industry and related fields, as well as private rail car owners. All of the consultants are actively participating in the field of transportation with client lists that include many facets of transportation including railroads, airlines, and the hospitality industry.
