News, Amtrak readies for National Train Day.

[tremontpa]

Amtrak needs more federal funding so that it can make necessary improvments. The Bush administration has been choking Amtrak's funding because of illogical reasons. Amtrak should be embrased by the government as a good service offered to the public.

[windtimber]

Amtrack and going back to the rails is a great idea. Only one problem for me, though.

The nearest Amtrack connection is over 300 miles away.

Huge parts of rural America are essentially without any form of city to city mass transit.

[Crew Chief]

Thanks for the great info about AMTRAK and railroads in general, everyone. I've always been a firm believer in expanding the U.S. rail network. And believe it would be worth the money. But, again, what would else we give up to do it? I can see the trucking interests howling mad if anyting was taken away from them... Personally, I think growing our intermodal infrastructure is the way to go. Sure, you can send the "hottest" just-in-time loads by team-driven truck. But it's getting harder and harder to find solo drivers that are willing to stay on the road for weeks at a time. (I can't ever see myself doing it again)

As for AMTRAK, I've definitely enjoyed riding it for pleasure. And, yes, that's definitely the way to go in the Northeast vs. flying or driving, IMHO.