Sept. 17, 2007
OUR PUBLIC LIFE: Amtrak Is Safe and Efficient
By Craig Hammond
Amtrak, the national railroad passenger service, welcomed aboard more than 25.4 million passengers last year. That's the fourth straight year of record ridership. Amtrak serves more than 500 destinations in 46 states on 21,000 miles of routes, with nearly 19,000 employees.
But even in the midst of this growth, Amtrak operates more and more efficiently. Last year Amtrak reduced its diesel fuel use by 3.2 million gallons. This was achieved by improved operating practices and instituting national fuel conservation practices. Because Amtrak uses mostly diesel fuel, and electricity on the Northeast Corridor, it is less vulnerable to swings in crude oil prices than commercial aviation, which uses highly refined jet fuel.
When it comes to providing safe travel, Amtrak is second to none. Amtrak's police officers routinely patrols its stations and other facilities, including patrols by K-9 detection teams. Recently the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has approved Amtrak's very effective ticket verification policy.
But with record ridership, new efficiencies, and increased safety, there are still some members of Congress that would like to eliminate the federal subsidy that helps keep keep Amtrak operating nationwide. Thankfully, these Amtrak busters represent about only 20% of congress.
Amtrak covers at least 75% of its operating costs year after year and requires only $500 million of federal support annually. A drop in the bucket. No country in the world operates a passenger rail system without some form of public support for capital costs and/or operating expenses.
Special thanks to Representative John Olver (D- Massachusetts) for crediting Amtrak for its efficiencies and safety, and for recognizing Amtrak's value to our public life.
Our Public Life, a weekly column by Craig Hammond, former mayor of Bluefield, WV and host of RadioActive, is dedicated to the institutions that enhance our public life.
OUR PUBLIC LIFE: Amtrak Is Safe and Efficient
By Craig Hammond
Amtrak, the national railroad passenger service, welcomed aboard more than 25.4 million passengers last year. That's the fourth straight year of record ridership. Amtrak serves more than 500 destinations in 46 states on 21,000 miles of routes, with nearly 19,000 employees.
But even in the midst of this growth, Amtrak operates more and more efficiently. Last year Amtrak reduced its diesel fuel use by 3.2 million gallons. This was achieved by improved operating practices and instituting national fuel conservation practices. Because Amtrak uses mostly diesel fuel, and electricity on the Northeast Corridor, it is less vulnerable to swings in crude oil prices than commercial aviation, which uses highly refined jet fuel.
When it comes to providing safe travel, Amtrak is second to none. Amtrak's police officers routinely patrols its stations and other facilities, including patrols by K-9 detection teams. Recently the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has approved Amtrak's very effective ticket verification policy.
But with record ridership, new efficiencies, and increased safety, there are still some members of Congress that would like to eliminate the federal subsidy that helps keep keep Amtrak operating nationwide. Thankfully, these Amtrak busters represent about only 20% of congress.
Amtrak covers at least 75% of its operating costs year after year and requires only $500 million of federal support annually. A drop in the bucket. No country in the world operates a passenger rail system without some form of public support for capital costs and/or operating expenses.
Special thanks to Representative John Olver (D- Massachusetts) for crediting Amtrak for its efficiencies and safety, and for recognizing Amtrak's value to our public life.
Our Public Life, a weekly column by Craig Hammond, former mayor of Bluefield, WV and host of RadioActive, is dedicated to the institutions that enhance our public life.
