101 replies to this topic

[TiBike]

H/T to Train Orders, here's the link to the official notice:

 

www.federalregister.gov/d/2017-14355

 

 

[AmtrakLKL]

Well this is certainly going to be exciting. I'm sure there are dozens of private companies busily preparing bids as I type!

[keelhauled]

Perhaps one of them will even bother to read the fine print before deciding to sign!

[me_little_me]

So much depends on the requirements.

 

Will winner have to keep present crews and staff? Pay them the same? Keep positions the same way Amtrak does? Will existing union rules apply? Can they change levels of service?

 

What changes can be made in routing, dealing with host RR, times, etc? Are they restricted by Arrow's limitations on reservations? Must they use Amtrak's reservation people?

 

What changes can they make in other areas like having an auto-carrying car, adding their own private cars for higher level of sleeper service (ala  the Canadian)? Will they be given enough cars to add sleepers and coaches as needed? Can they provide "their own" (i.e. leased) additional cars when they want as long as those cars are roadworthy?

[stappend]

I doubt that Amtrak is going to 'give' them equipement.  This is another Iowa Pacific in the making.

[A Voice]

So much depends on the requirements.

 

Will winner have to keep present crews and staff? Pay them the same? Keep positions the same way Amtrak does? Will existing union rules apply? Can they change levels of service?

 

What changes can be made in routing, dealing with host RR, times, etc? Are they restricted by Arrow's limitations on reservations? Must they use Amtrak's reservation people?

 

What changes can they make in other areas like having an auto-carrying car, adding their own private cars for higher level of sleeper service (ala  the Canadian)? Will they be given enough cars to add sleepers and coaches as needed? Can they provide "their own" (i.e. leased) additional cars when they want as long as those cars are roadworthy?

 

The answers to most or all of your questions are to be found in the referenced document.  

 

I've only had a chance to skim thus far, but the real deal killer (among several) is that the host (freight) railroads are under no obligation to grant anyone other than Amtrak access, and any potential bidders must have preliminary agreement with all hosts before submitting a bid.  Anything so much as hinting at "open access" sends the major freight roads running for the hills, so that is effectively a non-starter.  

[KmH]

https://www.federalr...e-pilot-program

[west point]

Absolutely Amtrak will not give up any equipment.  If bid went forward then the extra equipment will help other routes meet pent up demand !

[Just-Thinking-51]

I've only had a chance to skim thus far, but the real deal killer (among several) is that the host (freight) railroads are under no obligation to grant anyone other than Amtrak access, and any potential bidders must have preliminary agreement with all hosts before submitting a bid.  Anything so much as hinting at "open access" sends the major freight roads running for the hills, so that is effectively a non-starter.  

Amtrak current trackage does not transfer. Yet you may not run less service or short distances. However even the most basic need for a slot for the train is not included.

The bid is designed to fail.

[tommylicious]

Which routes?

[Just-Thinking-51]

Which routes?

Any and all.

[jis]

I bet someone will pick up Hoosier State. What? Wait..... 

[Texan Eagle]

Can we all chip in and purchase one of the routes? I'll pay $20, that should be more than sufficient. Presenting Amtrak Unlimited Empire Builder

[Phil S]

What an enormous waste of time and money. Business as usual these days.

[Philly Amtrak Fan]

Can we all chip in and purchase one of the routes? I'll pay $20, that should be more than sufficient. Presenting Amtrak Unlimited Empire Builder

 

If that will save me more than $20 on my taxes having to pay for it, count me in!

[Green Maned Lion]

The only bidders that are vaguely plausible are freight operators themselves.

But really this is the classic D.C. Equation:

Noise + Paper = Accomplishment.

[PVD]

If the only way to achieve savings is to attack workers, instead of working together to achieve savings, then it is a worthless endeavor.

[Bob Dylan]

The only bidders that are vaguely plausible are freight operators themselves.

But really this is the classic D.C. Equation:

Noise + Paper = Accomplishment.

This!

[Thirdrail7]

It should be quite clear that freight does not want to touch this.  They shy away from state supported services which have their costs covered. Why would they take on long distance service and still have to answer to Congress? They still have to make the stops (or a comparable amount of stops), they still have to run the same distance and now their name is on display is something goes wrong. They won't be the faceless "host" railroad. Amtrak was formed so they wouldn't have to deal with this stuff.

 

There is a reason the NS (who had a first dibs on the VRE MSS contract) let it pass. There is a reason that CSX let go of MARC service even though their costs were covered and there is a reason they let the  VRE FBG contract pass without a bid.

[railiner]

What about other railroads in other parts of the country...don't the freight roads still run some of the Chicago RTA routes, and by choice?