a) One core CSX issue is operational. They run trains one-way for long periods of time. Like they have a narrow street that's one-way, just flip that one-way every so often depending on traffic needs. That's not merely a siding issue but a lack of sidings, quantity, issue. When you run a bunch of trains in the same direction you can get away with it. Amtrak is looking to send a small speedy Miata the wrong way down this narrow street. The infrastructure as it is can't support that.
b) Amtrak has an agreement with Louisiana but not one with Alabama nor Mississippi. Not a single public dollar should be shelled out until these agreements are in place. They're not a 100% guarantee but they're a written commitment to fund operations. Amtrak can only pay for operations for 3 years, after that it has to come from the states. How foolish would it be to spend ~$200M on upgrades only for the train to run for 3 years only to again disappear?
I have family who live right on the corridor. They’ve seen Amtrak test trains. They want the service. It’s idiotic that a city government could block the entire plan.
I enjoy your clear explanation of the issues. As a conservative I often get blasted by friends about how Republicans are the nemesis of Amtrak. Yet here is a Republican moving it forward and three democratic bodies holding it back. My point is, don’t look at the party to determine who is Amtrak’s friend and who isn’t. Look at their actions.
a) One core CSX issue is operational. They run trains one-way for long periods of time. Like they have a narrow street that's one-way, just flip that one-way every so often depending on traffic needs. That's not merely a siding issue but a lack of sidings, quantity, issue. When you run a bunch of trains in the same direction you can get away with it. Amtrak is looking to send a small speedy Miata the wrong way down this narrow street. The infrastructure as it is can't support that.
b) Amtrak has an agreement with Louisiana but not one with Alabama nor Mississippi. Not a single public dollar should be shelled out until these agreements are in place. They're not a 100% guarantee but they're a written commitment to fund operations. Amtrak can only pay for operations for 3 years, after that it has to come from the states. How foolish would it be to spend ~$200M on upgrades only for the train to run for 3 years only to again disappear?
I have family who live right on the corridor. They’ve seen Amtrak test trains. They want the service. It’s idiotic that a city government could block the entire plan.
The plans aren't blocked. They have plans to put this in place.
I enjoy your clear explanation of the issues. As a conservative I often get blasted by friends about how Republicans are the nemesis of Amtrak. Yet here is a Republican moving it forward and three democratic bodies holding it back. My point is, don’t look at the party to determine who is Amtrak’s friend and who isn’t. Look at their actions.
Excellent analysis by Trains columnist Bill Stephens argues that Amtrak should bail on Mobile. https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/amtrak-should-bail-out-on-proposed-gulf-coast-service-analysis/
Frankly, I don’t think the corridor has much strategic value to Amtrak.