No matter what you think of Frank's other positions, it must be recognized that one of Amtrak's two strongest advocates passed on June 3rd. In a true statement of his love of the train and public transport his body was carried from a train station on Amtrak to Washington. I hope someone will fill the void of his tireless advocacy of passenger trains in the US.
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Agreed. Apparently at the funeral, Joe Biden (who is also a train guy) had to run to catch an Amtrak train from Washington once. The conductor told him he needn't run because the train was delayed. Biden asked "why"? He was told it was waiting for Lautenberg.
Gerry
I was wondering what type of passenger car would be carrying Frank Lautenberg's body to Washington. I was hoping that the former Pennsylvania heavyweight open platform observation car "The Pennsylvania 120" would be a nice choice since his family would be on board the train as well but then I thought about the policy that Amtrak has regarding human remains carried aboard it's trains. It states that human remains be carried in baggage cars and that's exactly where is body was delivered to and placed in at the station that bears his name. However I then thought that it would be the right thing to do to place his body in a Amtrak Car as he was a major supporter of Amtrak, and the many times he rode Amtrak trains. The baggage car was right behind the AEM7 electric locomotive that pulled the train to Washington. I think that he would be pleased.
If passenger trains are so great, why does Amtrak need any subsidies? While it may be fun and relaxing, make those who choose this mode of transport pay the cost, not some poor guy in a rural area! The cost to taxpayers for Biden, Lautenberg, et al, simply is NOT worth it. What do these liberals , who want to share YOUR wealth offer? Use other peoples money. We'll also have to pay for his last trip!
JMHO,
Dave G.
If passenger trains are so great, why does Amtrak need any subsidies? While it may be fun and relaxing, make those who choose this mode of transport pay the cost, not some poor guy in a rural area! The cost to taxpayers for Biden, Lautenberg, et al, simply is NOT worth it. What do these liberals , who want to share YOUR wealth offer? Use other peoples money. We'll also have to pay for his last trip!
JMHO,
Dave G.
Compare the subsidies given to Airports, highways and big oil the AMTRAK subsidy is minor. Yes ideally it should at least break even, but it's not over-susidized
If passenger trains are so great, why does Amtrak need any subsidies...
Before this thread becomes too political, I will respond to this and then we will move on.
Passenger rail service is subsidized in literally EVERY COUNTRY THAT HAS PASSENGER RAIL SERVICE. Passenger rail subsidies are not unique to the USA.
We are now all done with this line of responses.
Its true that Frank was a champion of mass rail transit, especially in New Jersey. Which is why I was flummoxed to see his virulent criticism of Gov. Christie's cancellation of the ARC tunnel under the North River, a project he knew was seriously flawed. Politics?...Nah.
Fortunately for the NJ/NY area, the far better Gateway Tunnel project is moving forward, which I hope to learn the late Senator backed.
I would thank those across the political spectrum who recognized Frank's work and dedication and who in the spirit of bipartisanship acknowledged his hard work despite our support or lack of support for it. May such dedication be remembered and admired even if the ends be worthy of debate.
Forum member Samtrak wason the train He might have been at the controls
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