This essay offers a summary of the recent railroad financial “investments” made by the Biden administration. Spotlighting the underbelly of this quixotic quest are the ongoing challenges.
This is an interesting business model for the government. Put regulations in place that prevent anything being built, then allocate money to help the chosen few overcome the regulations. Might there be an opportunity for graft an extortion here?
Alstom, a major provider of rail passenger equipment, faces financial challenges that may extend beyond issues with the Avelia Liberty trainsets for Amtrak's Acela service. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority in New York has reportedly decided to bar Bombardier, now part of Alstom, from bidding on contracts due to past difficulties, notably with the 179 subway car contract. Amtrak has halted "progress payments" on the new Acela trainsets, and Alstom recently announced the layoff of 1,500 employees along with the sale of some corporate assets.
Among Alstom's ongoing projects is the NJ Transit order for multilevel MU cars, intended to replace the aging Jersey Arrow single-level MU cars. There is uncertainty regarding whether the new Acelas or Arrows will ever be in service. Additionally, questions arise about the progress of the 45 SEPTA multi-level push-pull cars. The former Budd Company's Plant in Philadelphia becomes a point of consideration in light of these developments.
We have the City of New Orleans run way too fast for safety through Millington, TN. very few passengers. There have been many train/car/truck accidents. None that had had toxic waste, just loss of life. The one in Ohio is still a toxic nightmare.
Dec 18, 2023·edited Dec 19, 2023Liked by Frederick R Smith
Your assessment makes sense in that freight is a better market for high-speed rail. Passengers who need to get from point A to point B in a hurry already have air travel, but trucks only move freight so fast, one truckload at the time. A train with 100 cars is like 100 (or more*) semis, and if it could move at double highway speed that would be a bonus.
I grew up close to one of the longest straight stretches of track in the country that ran Amtrak and freight on separate lines...those trains moved fast!
*As you probably see on many trains, cars that hold perhaps several shipping containers can be offloaded to become truck trailers. Ideally rail can bring them to a central distribution yard.
This is an interesting business model for the government. Put regulations in place that prevent anything being built, then allocate money to help the chosen few overcome the regulations. Might there be an opportunity for graft an extortion here?
Waste of the Day: U.S. DOT Spends $3 Billion On Private High-Speed Rail
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2023/12/waste-day-u-s-dot-spends-3-billion/
High Speed Rail Systems Coming To America: ‘A Milestone In Advancing Our Progress’ Among Other Nations (really?)
https://www.stateofunion.org/2023/12/30/high-speed-rail-systems-coming-to-america-a-milestone-in-advancing-our-progress-among-other-nations/
Top 10 stories of 2023, No. 8: New Acela delays
https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/news/top-10-stories-of-2023-no-8-new-acela-delays/ar-AA1lYpjT
Alstom, a major provider of rail passenger equipment, faces financial challenges that may extend beyond issues with the Avelia Liberty trainsets for Amtrak's Acela service. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority in New York has reportedly decided to bar Bombardier, now part of Alstom, from bidding on contracts due to past difficulties, notably with the 179 subway car contract. Amtrak has halted "progress payments" on the new Acela trainsets, and Alstom recently announced the layoff of 1,500 employees along with the sale of some corporate assets.
Among Alstom's ongoing projects is the NJ Transit order for multilevel MU cars, intended to replace the aging Jersey Arrow single-level MU cars. There is uncertainty regarding whether the new Acelas or Arrows will ever be in service. Additionally, questions arise about the progress of the 45 SEPTA multi-level push-pull cars. The former Budd Company's Plant in Philadelphia becomes a point of consideration in light of these developments.
We have the City of New Orleans run way too fast for safety through Millington, TN. very few passengers. There have been many train/car/truck accidents. None that had had toxic waste, just loss of life. The one in Ohio is still a toxic nightmare.
Excelent essay!
The TGV is an excellent service but infrastructure problems remain.
Is it possible to solve with our environmental rules?
Your assessment makes sense in that freight is a better market for high-speed rail. Passengers who need to get from point A to point B in a hurry already have air travel, but trucks only move freight so fast, one truckload at the time. A train with 100 cars is like 100 (or more*) semis, and if it could move at double highway speed that would be a bonus.
I grew up close to one of the longest straight stretches of track in the country that ran Amtrak and freight on separate lines...those trains moved fast!
*As you probably see on many trains, cars that hold perhaps several shipping containers can be offloaded to become truck trailers. Ideally rail can bring them to a central distribution yard.
High speed rail goes all over China. I watch train videos for fun. China’s rail network looks like its second to none. I’m no fan of the CCP. But.....