Baggage Car Shortage

Yes, please include me with Mr. Perkowski in the pro-baggage service camp.

I have always argued in favor of such service, because I have seen the dissatisfaction that is experienced when intercity travelers are confronted with the lack of checked-baggage service. Now that I am experiencing first-hand the pleasures of traveling with small children, I can personally attest to how important the service is.

As I see it, if Amtrak is to remain viable as an intercity transportation carrier, it must continue to provide checked-baggage service. I see no way around it.

Baggage cars carry more than just baggage. I often see boxes of fresh flowers being shipped out of Salinas loaded onto the baggage car of the Coast Starlight. The last lot had cases going to two destinations. Eugene and Denver.