I haven't been on here in a while but I have been following the developments that have been coming out of Amtrak for the last several months. Here's what I think. Please note: I haven't had the time to read through all 19 pages of posts yet, so I might be posting things that have been discussed already.
The RFPs: My bet is that Siemens will get the job for replacing Amtrak's fleet. The Chicago Hub corridors are already phasing them into service everywhere except the AML, where issues with ITCS prevent them from operating. (If I remember correctly, the MI Chargers aren't even in Chicago yet; they've been held in Pueblo until space is cleared with the redeployment of the P42s.) I haven't heard of any major issues in regards to the Chargers yet, but we'll just have to see. Also, I read somewhere on this forum about Amtrak only ordering 50-75 new engines. The post says a MINIMUM of 50-75. In addition to the new engine, Amtrak is also looking at new single level LD equipment to replace the Superliners.
DMUs: If Anderson thinks that DMUs are going to be good for things like the AML, then he's nuts. I rode in a DMU while I was in the UK a few years ago and I really wasn't all that impressed. I could understand using them for commuter services, but for intercity travel, it's just not the right way to go IMO. Besides, the major corridor states are already getting new equipment.
Dismantling LDTs: Again, not the right way to go, for now. I know that the LTDs tend to lose a lot of money but after traveling on 3 of the 4 western LDs (SWC, CS, and EB), I now realize how valuable they are to both passengers and communities. For some people, it is the only way they can travel due to money or lack of other options. For others, it's medical reasons. Even more just don't want to deal with the hassle of driving or dealing with airport security or the cramped quarters of a jet. These trains provide a lifeline for both communities and passengers who cannot/do not want to fly or drive. Abandon them, and you'll start seeing communities dry up in "flyover country".
Anderson in general: At first, I was against Anderson. An airline exec at Amtrak? It doesn't take much to realize what's wrong with that. But after reading the interview he and his CCO did with RPA as well as some of the other actions he has taken, I am now (cautiously) confident that he is making changes for the better. I like the look of the new Amfleets. Amtrak is buying new motive power for the first time in twenty years. They just got a record budget. This is the chance that Amtrak has needed since its inception to actually prove themselves.
The Charter Train/Private Car Fiasco: I agree with this decision to limit PV and charter trains. I'm sure you all know about the spat of accidents Amtrak had. The uninformed public, of course, immediately blamed Amtrak, despite the fact that only 1 out of the 3 accidents was actually Amtrak's fault (501). The other two, the GOP train hitting a truck and the Cayce accident were not Amtrak's fault. Anderson needs to prove that Amtrak can operate its current services safely and efficiently before going back and doing special things like PV and charter services. While I was on the CS, we had to drop a varnish car in the Oakland coach yard. It delayed us by 45 minutes, and we never made up that time.
Electrification: When I read this, I almost fell off the couch laughing. Amtrak doesn't have the money to electrify their entire network. The freight railroads wouldn't allow it either. It would cost trillions of dollars to electrify the entire US rail network and it would also present capacity problems, as now you can't run double-stacks. I read somewhere else about using batteries and stations as "charging points". I won't even go into that.
I think I hit about everything.
-WN