DaveKCMO
Service Attendant
- Joined
- Jul 26, 2006
- Messages
- 217
i've ridden a lot of amtrak's system lately and am working with the group who's trying to get service expanded in kansas. so, here are my questions and observations about how various states handle their sponsored routes (note: i'm sure a lot of these things are decided by legislatures and DOTs, but wanted to check anyway):
1) does it make more sense financially for the state to own/lease the equipment for amtrak to operate? in california's case, is it simply easier because there are so many frequencies? north carolina's state-owned train only runs once daily, but did they save money doing it that way?
2) does anyone have any info or experience with the cost of on-board services? for example, is it more cost-effective to have cart service (wisconsin), a full cafe car (missouri), or just give away snacks so that no employees are needed (north carolina)?
3) does amtrak have a say over whether a quiet car or business class are implemented on a state-sponsored route?
4) is there anything stopping a state from purchasing DMUs and having amtrak operate them?
that's all for now. i'm sure i'll come up with more later.
dave
1) does it make more sense financially for the state to own/lease the equipment for amtrak to operate? in california's case, is it simply easier because there are so many frequencies? north carolina's state-owned train only runs once daily, but did they save money doing it that way?
2) does anyone have any info or experience with the cost of on-board services? for example, is it more cost-effective to have cart service (wisconsin), a full cafe car (missouri), or just give away snacks so that no employees are needed (north carolina)?
3) does amtrak have a say over whether a quiet car or business class are implemented on a state-sponsored route?
4) is there anything stopping a state from purchasing DMUs and having amtrak operate them?
that's all for now. i'm sure i'll come up with more later.
dave