by Jeff Smith
I think we're all getting a little ahead of ourselves. It would be nice to have more frequent service on this line. Full-build (sans electrification) would be nice. Amtrak would be the likely operator since they already own the line and use SLE equipment. Using surplus SLE equipment (as Dutch pointed out earlier), with even more surplus available if CDOT can get funds (likely or not who knows) for option M-8's. Amtrak could then ditch their branded "shuttle" in favor of the CDOT service, fully funded outside of their congressional budget for their own routes. All they'd be left with then is the Vermonter, right?
Problems? Yeah. Even if they manage to get HSR funding for the whole kit-n-kaboodle, the line won't truly be HSR. Then, once the service is built and running, is Uncle Osama going to fund the operating subsidy, too? That becomes a long-term obligation of CT. And as Dutch rightly points out, CT is highly taxed already. Ironic; years ago, CT didn't even have an income tax, until Weicker passed one (does my memory serve me correctly?).
Can they use the service. Definitely. But they do need to be realistic about it. I do favor full-build, and like their approach, but they do need to be realistic.
Problems? Yeah. Even if they manage to get HSR funding for the whole kit-n-kaboodle, the line won't truly be HSR. Then, once the service is built and running, is Uncle Osama going to fund the operating subsidy, too? That becomes a long-term obligation of CT. And as Dutch rightly points out, CT is highly taxed already. Ironic; years ago, CT didn't even have an income tax, until Weicker passed one (does my memory serve me correctly?).
Can they use the service. Definitely. But they do need to be realistic about it. I do favor full-build, and like their approach, but they do need to be realistic.
Next stop, Willoughby
~el Jefe :: RAILROAD.NET Site Administrator/Co-Owner; Carman at Naugatuck Railroad
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~el Jefe :: RAILROAD.NET Site Administrator/Co-Owner; Carman at Naugatuck Railroad
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