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Amtrak requests $336 million in emergency funds

RT and S -- Amtrak President and CEO Joe Boardman told a U.S. Senate committee the New York region needs to strengthen rail capacity and resiliency in order to create "a better ability to resist damage, recover from an event and return the rail system to service" following major disasters.

To address these needs and to compensate Amtrak for increased costs and revenue lost during Hurricane Sandy, Amtrak is requesting $336 million in emergency federal funding. Of this amount, $276 million would be for measures that provide enhanced protection and improved recovery capability of Penn Station New York and its tunnels against flooding or emergency disruptions and to begin design and construction of elements of the capacity increasing Gateway Program. The additional $60 million would be to cover estimat

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Submitted Dec 07, 2012 By: skb69sa

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geminijax Champion Author Jacksonville Posts:16,817 Points:2,723,920 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Dec 14, 2012 10:03:23 PM Ignore geminijax Report Abuse Is Amtrak considered public transportation? I didn't think so. Now, there are several profitable railroads that haul goods/freight. If they can be profitable and stand on their own two legs, why can't Amtrak?
polarbear2 Champion Author Maine Posts:12,113 Points:2,751,085 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Dec 14, 2012 10:51:01 AM Ignore polarbear2 Report Abuse Give me a break. I've had to worry about money. I also have enough character that I don't think that somebody else should be paying for my choices.
honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:18,580 Points:1,605,520 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Dec 14, 2012 4:56:24 AM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse you've obviously never been one to have to worry about money. I wish you the best that you never will learn what it feels like to be on the side of not being able to drive or having to rely on others.
polarbear2 Champion Author Maine Posts:12,113 Points:2,751,085 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Dec 13, 2012 10:53:40 AM Ignore polarbear2 Report Abuse If I ever need public transport I'd be willing to pay what it costs. I don't need to be a leech.
honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:18,580 Points:1,605,520 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Dec 12, 2012 11:14:31 PM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse hope you never need to rely on public transportation, Polar.
polarbear2 Champion Author Maine Posts:12,113 Points:2,751,085 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Dec 12, 2012 10:50:56 AM Ignore polarbear2 Report Abuse Amtrak carries only passengers. Freight trains carry all the other goods you speak of. I'm not willing to pay for other people to get cheap transportation.
honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:18,580 Points:1,605,520 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Dec 12, 2012 4:58:03 AM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse polar: Amtrak benefits more than just the ppl riding the passenger cars. I'm willing to pay some and I'm far from their routes. That's b/c I know that Amtrak and other railroads carry lots of goods that I may use (not everything comes via truck).
polarbear2 Champion Author Maine Posts:12,113 Points:2,751,085 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Dec 11, 2012 10:59:27 AM Ignore polarbear2 Report Abuse Interesting how those that use a thing don't want to pay it's true cost.
honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:18,580 Points:1,605,520 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Dec 11, 2012 4:51:36 AM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse interesting how those who don't use a particular thing are the ones who scream the loudest that it's not needed.
honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:18,580 Points:1,605,520 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Dec 11, 2012 4:50:17 AM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse Zonk: b/c taxpayers benefit from the low rail cost.
gs7101 Champion Author San Antonio Posts:5,503 Points:386,920 Joined:Jun 2009	Message Posted: Dec 8, 2012 6:07:01 AM Ignore gs7101 Report Abuse Denied!
Bill100 Champion Author Grand Rapids Posts:41,458 Points:1,158,095 Joined:Jan 2010	Message Posted: Dec 8, 2012 4:26:54 AM Ignore Bill100 Report Abuse It is to the point we need emergency funds for a very large amount of updating to ouir national infrastructure.
tomok Champion Author Portland Posts:32,917 Points:2,341,510 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: Dec 8, 2012 2:14:44 AM Ignore tomok Report Abuse Amtrak requests $336 million in emergency funds and more taxpayer money spent for the government running an inefficient business. Amtrack, Post Office, auto companies, EPA, giving vast amounts of money to other countries as aid and payoffs And the list goes on and on. A bottomless money pit and growing. Whatever the size or shape of the vehicle, vehicle manufactures Produce and the population ‘Drives’ vehicles with high MPG, are very safe, reliable, have a ‘reasonable’ cost and a good ‘value’ for the money. The price of fuel at the pump is too high! XII/XXII/MMXII!
MAC48 Champion Author Dallas Posts:1,546 Points:762,470 Joined:Dec 2006	Message Posted: Dec 7, 2012 11:34:31 PM Ignore MAC48 Report Abuse It would seem proper and totally justified that the users of AMTRAK, the Long Island Railroad and the New Jersey Transit should shoulder 100% of the cost of repairs, modernization, redesign and bear the burden of the lost revenues for which AMTRAK is seeking US taxpayer funding. Why should AMTRK, the Long Island Railroad and the New Jersey Transit expect the vast majority of the US population which does not nor ever will use these transportation services foot the bill for these Hurricane Sandy related costs? User taxes and fees support almost all, if not all, of the burden to build, repair, maintain and modernize the US highway system. AMTRAK should be treated absolutely no different and AMTRAK users should bear this burden without taxpayer funding or reimbursement.
Zonk Champion Author Michigan Posts:6,461 Points:2,098,765 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Dec 7, 2012 11:33:48 PM Ignore Zonk Report Abuse Why should the taxpayers be required to bail Amtrak out?
crreed1 Champion Author West Virginia Posts:1,965 Points:2,522,335 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: Dec 7, 2012 11:19:34 PM Ignore crreed1 Report Abuse old news
TheSnowstorm Champion Author Montreal Posts:8,609 Points:1,910,230 Joined:June 2005	Message Posted: Dec 7, 2012 11:13:54 PM Ignore TheSnowstorm Report Abuse " The additional $60 million would be to cover estimated operating losses incurred as a result of the storm." What? You want compensation for estimated lost revenue? From a natural disaster? That is exactly like asking the government to compensate you when people no longer buy the widgets that you are manufacturing. I do agree with funding to improve the infrastructure in the event of natural disasters, but to get compensation for lost revenue, that is a case for insurance, not government (tax dollars).
skidsteer85xt Champion Author Indiana Posts:3,541 Points:182,800 Joined:Oct 2012	Message Posted: Dec 7, 2012 11:12:28 PM Ignore skidsteer85xt Report Abuse if we fail to keep our place up the goverment will not help us out why should they be any different
N5EXY Champion Author Austin Posts:5,472 Points:1,506,380 Joined:Jul 2004	Message Posted: Dec 7, 2012 11:12:13 PM Ignore N5EXY Report Abuse Another spendulus. Let Amtrak stand on its own.
snky2k Champion Author Indianapolis Posts:1,378 Points:299,565 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Dec 7, 2012 11:10:49 PM Ignore snky2k Report Abuse Read this yesterday.
Matt G Champion Author Boston Posts:4,513 Points:2,769,040 Joined:Jun 2004	Message Posted: Dec 7, 2012 11:06:25 PM Ignore Matt G Report Abuse Sad that they can't be financially independent
jrschl Champion Author Louisville Posts:2,947 Points:677,065 Joined:Jun 2011	Message Posted: Dec 7, 2012 11:05:56 PM Ignore jrschl Report Abuse I wish there was more rail services.
BlewettCA Veteran Author California Posts:318 Points:240,410 Joined:May 2012	Message Posted: Dec 7, 2012 11:05:01 PM Ignore BlewettCA Report Abuse ok
flagtown25 Champion Author New Jersey Posts:1,177 Points:490,455 Joined:Oct 2011	Message Posted: Dec 7, 2012 11:04:58 PM Ignore flagtown25 Report Abuse There is no doubt that the New York transportation infrastructure needs a massive overhaul and improvement.
judgemobile Champion Author Ohio Posts:7,550 Points:2,441,135 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: Dec 7, 2012 11:04:48 PM Ignore judgemobile Report Abuse more government bailout.
JCS319 Champion Author Tacoma Posts:20,367 Points:2,538,085 Joined:Dec 2005	Message Posted: Dec 7, 2012 11:04:29 PM Ignore JCS319 Report Abuse Without additional funding for Amtrak, we're still a first world country with a third world transportation system.
unicornpmb Champion Author Buffalo Posts:8,471 Points:1,625,515 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Dec 7, 2012 11:04:20 PM Ignore unicornpmb Report Abuse Should have been done in the first place.
cheaper0ON All-Star Author Ontario Posts:963 Points:394,055 Joined:Jan 2012	Message Posted: Dec 7, 2012 11:04:00 PM Ignore cheaper0ON Report Abuse Ok.
rjoeh Champion Author Michigan Posts:7,061 Points:2,466,215 Joined:Jun 2004	Message Posted: Dec 7, 2012 11:03:42 PM Ignore rjoeh Report Abuse BOARDMAN NEEDS TO REALIZE THAT BECOMING PROFITABLE SHOULD BE HIS PRIMARY GOAL. Constantly asking for handouts could deep 6 Amtrak for good.
WIWalt Champion Author Wisconsin Posts:1,707 Points:411,565 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Dec 7, 2012 11:02:52 PM Ignore WIWalt Report Abuse Do it with your own money, not the taxpayers.
rahcat Champion Author Grand Rapids Posts:2,448 Points:658,950 Joined:Jan 2010	Message Posted: Dec 7, 2012 11:01:34 PM Ignore rahcat Report Abuse Time to take Amtrak private.
NAVYHM All-Star Author Cleveland Posts:761 Points:1,382,705 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Dec 7, 2012 10:59:49 PM Ignore NAVYHM Report Abuse OK
clermont40miles Champion Author Cincinnati Posts:10,543 Points:1,767,935 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Dec 7, 2012 10:59:17 PM Ignore clermont40miles Report Abuse Can anything survive without subsidy? The socialist teat being sucked dry. Amtrak - do the trains run on time? And how does the travel time & cost compare to other available modes of transportation?
BCM1 Champion Author Pennsylvania Posts:1,859 Points:781,795 Joined:Jun 2007	Message Posted: Dec 7, 2012 10:58:33 PM Ignore BCM1 Report Abuse Do it with your own money, not the taxpayers. Raise the fares to cover the costs and see how many riders you lose.
PoohMcGoo Champion Author Alabama Posts:3,062 Points:797,360 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Dec 7, 2012 10:58:16 PM Ignore PoohMcGoo Report Abuse Ok
WIPACKERFAN Champion Author Chicago Posts:8,779 Points:1,838,475 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Dec 7, 2012 10:53:20 PM Ignore WIPACKERFAN Report Abuse I agree with you mstearno.
BREW9 All-Star Author Tampa Posts:861 Points:2,908,830 Joined:Jun 2004	Message Posted: Dec 7, 2012 10:53:00 PM Ignore BREW9 Report Abuse all aboard
mstearno Champion Author Dayton Posts:8,043 Points:1,727,235 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Dec 7, 2012 10:51:40 PM Ignore mstearno Report Abuse go private or go bankrupt stop wasting my money
gd83goldwinger Champion Author South Bend Posts:1,428 Points:501,230 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Dec 7, 2012 10:49:50 PM Ignore gd83goldwinger Report Abuse It not different then anybody else.
1COR1533 Champion Author San Jose Posts:1,671 Points:311,285 Joined:Jun 2012	Message Posted: Dec 7, 2012 10:48:49 PM Ignore 1COR1533 Report Abuse sure why not everybody else is getting handouts
BBHybrid Champion Author Pittsburgh Posts:6,460 Points:1,292,995 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: Dec 7, 2012 10:48:47 PM Ignore BBHybrid Report Abuse safety first please
Dragnet Champion Author Arizona Posts:15,390 Points:2,905,735 Joined:Jul 2004	Message Posted: Dec 7, 2012 10:47:33 PM Ignore Dragnet Report Abuse They want that hand out and some of us don't even ride the darn train. Let the New Yorkers flip the money instead of our taxes
goinwgas All-Star Author Oregon Posts:853 Points:229,325 Joined:Jun 2012	Message Posted: Dec 7, 2012 10:47:29 PM Ignore goinwgas Report Abuse put me down for .01 per cent of that
Prodaddy Champion Author Houston Posts:8,355 Points:1,890,110 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Dec 7, 2012 10:46:25 PM Ignore Prodaddy Report Abuse I would like $ 100,000
WhiskersTheCat All-Star Author Austin Posts:796 Points:1,316,825 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Dec 7, 2012 10:45:53 PM Ignore WhiskersTheCat Report Abuse ...uummmm. Why don't they just print it?
mcmonsta Champion Author Honolulu Posts:3,212 Points:814,770 Joined:Sep 2009	Message Posted: Dec 7, 2012 10:45:11 PM Ignore mcmonsta Report Abuse just lloking for another payout...get real...but they'll probably get it...won't they?
mfgendron All-Star Author New York Posts:674 Points:306,835 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Dec 7, 2012 10:41:06 PM Ignore mfgendron Report Abuse We must support our trains.
The3rd Champion Author Jacksonville Posts:2,846 Points:826,235 Joined:Jul 2004	Message Posted: Dec 7, 2012 10:37:14 PM Ignore The3rd Report Abuse another government bailout of a government run business.
pgerassi Champion Author Milwaukee Posts:10,876 Points:2,127,605 Joined:Apr 2007	Message Posted: Dec 7, 2012 10:37:12 PM Ignore pgerassi Report Abuse Sandy keeps on biting.
gasmack Champion Author Ventura Posts:1,692 Points:664,415 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Dec 7, 2012 10:36:27 PM Ignore gasmack Report Abuse Headed down the same road(track) as the post office?