Hi there. This is my first post. I am a relatively new Amtrak (riding for about 9 months) mostly taking the Wolverine service in Michigan and the Empire Builder to Minneapolis. I like what I've experienced, and I, like many of you, would love to see Amtrak improve its service.
It seems like Amtrak will also be hit hard by the rising costs of fuel for its trains that run on diesel. I am curious if it costs less and how much less to run a train that runs off on catenary rather than off of diesel. I would also like to know how much catenary costs per mile and if maintenance is a huge issue. I don't know. . .maybe I'll win the lotto and put up some overhead wires between Detroit and Chicago.
Also, is there a good reference page where I can educate myself on the different track requirements and costs of upgrades for different speeds of travel? Thanks a lot. I'm looking forward to learning a lot here!
!
It seems like Amtrak will also be hit hard by the rising costs of fuel for its trains that run on diesel. I am curious if it costs less and how much less to run a train that runs off on catenary rather than off of diesel. I would also like to know how much catenary costs per mile and if maintenance is a huge issue. I don't know. . .maybe I'll win the lotto and put up some overhead wires between Detroit and Chicago.
Also, is there a good reference page where I can educate myself on the different track requirements and costs of upgrades for different speeds of travel? Thanks a lot. I'm looking forward to learning a lot here!
!