That is, indeed, the issue with Amtrak and why it’s hard for me to recommend them. It can be the best trip of your life or the worst - extremely inconsistent for a variety of reasons.
Which brings up another point ... if an Amtrak train is off schedule, freight has the right of way. Our trip back hit endless delays waiting on freight trains.
Freight always has the right of way on tracks Amtrak doesn't own.
Not according to federal law which states that passenger service is to be given priority.
But the metro in DC doesn’t break even, so are you for it or against it?
Its a necessary part of our infrastructure so we must fund it and make room for private operators for the public good then accept it will never be the transport of choice for most but it will service enough to make it worthwhile.
Well, idk if it's even or not but they do break.Do all the paved roadways in DC break even?
I’m not trying to draw you in to anything, I’m just trying to understand your point of view on passenger trains since you seem very against them for some reason.
Intra-urban transit is different from intercity transit as to potential clientele and location fixation. Urban transit necessarily is hub-based (aka centralized) in cities. I'm in favor of those options that have a ubiquitous pathing instead of the linearity imposed by the rail technology which obligates passengers proceeding from A to B to get to C. It limits the majority of development and opportunity to those stopping points along those routes.
So you’re against intercity transit? Or just intercity rail?
Given my personal experience on Amtrak, I assume that this law is rarely enforced.
Well, priority doesn’t mean nothing but green on the entire route. Often there are delays and circumstances that can’t be avoided but Amtrak does get priority- and they pay for it.
I recommend you give travel by Amtrak a try. I think it would help add nuance and insight to your opinions.
A post earlier made it sound like Amtrak pays for the right of way on tracks they don't own.
