John:
My intent was to try to get people to start thinking outside the “box” as to what is possible with the C&TS and get the ball rolling now. This isn’t Rod’s pipe dream contrary to popular belief… it is what has already been agreed to by the Commission, management company and the States three years ago. The track was to be brought up to FRA Class 2 standards over a five year period at a cost of $20MM. Train speeds were to be increased as a result of this upgrade. I don’t mean to trivialize the efforts required in all areas of the RR to make this happen; marketing, operations and of course engineering of equipment and ROW. This is year 3 of a 5 year track rehab plan, so I would hope that there is a marketing plan working to support the track upgrades that would allow more/ faster trains/ increased revenue. The shops are doing their part as a 4th operational locomotive is due very soon.
I guess what I am asking to see is a more transparent and proactive approach from the Commission and operator showing the States how their capital investment in the ROW is going to translate into an increase in revenue. This has always been the basic understanding that the RR needs to cover operating expenses from ticket revenue. I think they can do much better than that and getting a round trip out of each train set daily is in my estimation a lot of bang for the buck. Having two trains each way everyday gives customers more options, better utilizes the equipment, and puts the tourists in the towns where they can spend money. The good news is they don’t have to build it, it already exists, it just needs some fix it up coupled with passionate marketing and they will come.
Rod
