Cardinal sleepers

[Phil S]

Here's the thread in question.http://www.trainorders.com/discussion/read.php?4,3095185

I wouldn't put any stock in what some random person on the internet is saying.

'Wow, there's a bunch of half-baked information on that thread.

Sorry not to have posted the thread link. And thanks for the feedback. TO posters tend to be fairly knowledgeable but definitely wasn't in this case, I'm glad to hear.

 

[afigg]

'Wow, there's a bunch of half-baked information on that thread.

Half-baked may be too generous. I might label it as a mix of quarter baked and just plain wrong. TO posters tend to be knowledgeable about day to day operations as there are Amtrak workers who post, but often don't have an understanding or grasp of the bigger picture in terms of politics, planning, management and project funding.
As to the re-authorization bill, given the obstructionism and gridlock in Congress, I would not be surprised if some House Republicans add enough poison pills, that the Senate won't accept the bill and the 2008 act ends up being extended for a year (or 2 because next year is an election year). Amtrak might be ok with that because that would keep the status quo while they wait for more sanity in the House. And would continue the program of the Treasury providing funds directly for Amtrak to exercise Early Buyout Options on equipment leases which reduces Amtrak's debt payment load. I think Congress will pass appropriations bills which will provide more capital funding for Amtrak, but not as much as Amtrak needs.

For the Cardinal, the critical issue is to keep it going for several more years until the Viewliner IIs are available to boost revenue and there is the possibility of switching to daily service. A three day a week train is easier to attack as a waste than a daily service.