Opinion

Commentary

Is Amtrak’s 2035 Map Riding on the Surf Board? (UPDATED)

Amtrak is looking to expand its network of passenger trains, for the first time in two decades. The proposal by “America’s Railroad” to add dozens of new corridors and state-supported trains to its network has drawn both support and criticism from advocates: support because it marks a new attitude on Amtrak’s part favoring expansion (of some sort, at least); criticism because it does not go far enough toward pushing for more long-distance trains or recognizing the contributions of the citizen-advocates who have been calling for more trains throughout almost all of Amtrak’s 50-year history.

Commentary

Can You Spare $75B?

Amtrak released its Corridor Vision on May 27. This rail economist recommends that readers balance the public relations statement with the rest of the missing story.

Commentary

North American Rail Supply and China: Why We Should Be Concerned

Caveat: I am a free-market capitalist who believes in the importance of trade to elevate global prosperity. I believe in comparative advantage, and how countries excel at the supply of certain goods and services, to the benefit of others. I now believe that there needs to be market boundaries, for the long-term health of entire industries and the well-being and security of our citizens.

Commentary
  • News

Renewed Consumer Relevance of the General Railway System

Your trance breaks as a red wash extends past the hilltop. Auto-cruise kicks out as drivers veer wildly. This is said to be the cheapest for society, so tough it up, though still—surely there is a better way to organize the supply chain as you call to reschedule the gate appointment with the dispatcher. This highway is way over capacity for these increasingly frequent lane closures for deep pavement shear repairs – congestion is back.

Commentary

Takeaways From FTR’s Deep Freight Rail Dive

FTR Transportation Intelligence Chairman and CEO Eric Starks and Vice President Rail and Intermodal Todd Tranausky recently hosted a webinar to examine the rail freight market in terms of volume and recovery pace, as well as their professional outlook for North American freight car manufacturing. As an invited media journalist and commentator, here are my takeaways for Railway Age readers.

Commentary

Union Pacific’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Journey is Never Ending

A year ago, a teenager named Darnella Frazier video recorded the murder of George Floyd, which ultimately led to the conviction of ex-police officer Derek Chauvin. While witnessing the traumatic and terrifying episode, Darnella stood her ground for justice. Her courage is helping drive profound change in this country, and is a stark reminder for all of us: See something, say something, do something, because it will make a difference.

Commentary

First in a Series: To Commute or Not to Commute? That is the Question!

With all due respect to Shakespeare’s characterization of Hamlet and his potential life-terminating decision, today’s rail commuters are facing a less-final but still life-altering question. Will they resume their old commuting habits once the emergency stemming from the COVID-19 virus is over, or will their work lives continue to incorporate the drastic changes that have occurred during the past year?

Commentary

STARTER Act 2.0 Looks Like a Non-Starter for Rail

Congressional Republicans have presented their own infrastructure proposal in response to the $1.9 trillion bill supported by Congressional Democrats and the Biden-Harris Administration. Their bill, sponsored by Sam Graves (R-Mo.), Ranking Member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure (T&I) Committee, and Rodney Davis (R-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Highways and Transit Subcommittee, has almost no rail content.

Commentary

Cowen: ‘More Caution Surrounding Voting Trusts’

On May 19, we hosted a call with a noted transportation attorney to discuss the latest news surrounding the proposed merger involving KSU/CP/CNI. The STB decision on May 17 indicates more caution surrounding voting trusts; CNI must show that the trust keeps a level playing field. The key for CNI will be that public benefits outweigh harms.

Commentary

“California Roars Back”? Nope!

California Governor Gavin Newsom issued a statement on May 14 about how the Golden State would spend an unexpected $100 billion surplus. The theme of Newsom’s program is “California Roars Back” and began with his top priorities: “The California Comeback Plan has one goal: Hit fast-forward on our state’s recovery by directly confronting California’s most stubborn challenges.” Transportation was not among them.

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