New pilot projects authorized by the FAST Act include allowing private operators to bid on operating three of Amtrak's 15 long-distance lines for up to eight years "provided they reduce the need for taxpayer support" and allowing pets on trains.
Among the changes in the five-year Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act that was signed by President Obama on December 4 are these two Amtrak pilot projects. First, allowing private rail operators to bid on long distance routes (PDF) that some say will "likely will always lose money":
"(P)otential competitors would submit an operating plan that includes steps to reduce taxpayer operating subsidies by 10% or more, while at least matching Amtrak’s performance," writes Andrew Tangel for The Wall Street Journal. If they "took over some Amtrak routes, it would mark a significant shift in how America’s national passenger railroad has been run since the federal government created it in 1970."
Private operators have already penetrated the commuter rail sector. "Herzog Transit Services Inc. operates Caltrain in the San Francisco Bay area (and) Transdev North America Inc. [formerly Veolia Transportation] runs the Tri-Rail line in South Florida," notes Tangel.
For fiscal 2015, which ended Sept. 30, Amtrak said the Northeast Corridor generated $479 million in adjusted operating surpluses, while its long-distance lines lost $495 million. Its state-supported routes, which generally run under 750 miles, reported $96 million in operating losses.
“I’m not sure what kind of interest we’re going to get from private-sector partners in this,” said Robert Puentes, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution.
Joseph Boardman, Amtrak’s president and chief executive, expressed doubts competitors would wind up taking over the lines. He noted the steep expenses associated with running long-distance trains, including staffing the dining cars, refueling and sewer and water service.
Another pilot project authorized by the FAST Act will strike close to home for pet lovers. They have Rep. Jeff Denham (R-Madera, Calif.), no friend of California high-speed rail, to thank, or more precisely, his 15 pound French bulldog, Lily, according to Jennifer Scholtes, transportation reporter for POLITICO Pro.
Amtrak will have to dedicate at least one “pet car” on each train, where feasible, to allow passengers to transport kenneled pets either as carry-on or checked luggage. The rail operator is barred from using any federal funds to operate the program and is instead required to charge an extra pet fee to cover the cost.
He and Lily have been trying since 2013 to make Amtrak pet-friendly.
"Little-heralded changes" in the FAST Act are the focus of a New York Times piece, including changes to the 1998 interstate tolling pilot project.
Hat tip: Mark Boshnack
FULL STORY: Amtrak Faces Prospect of Private Competition
How Virginia Became a Leader in Passenger Rail
The state's consistent investment in passenger rail has resulted in one of the nation's most effective regional rail networks.
Funding Approved for Key Rail Connection Between New Jersey and New York
The Portal Bridge is a key component of the larger Gateway Program that includes tunnels under the Hudson River. Fixing the Portal Bridge across the Hackensack River will provide tremendous relief to NJ Transit and Amtrak commuters.
State Leaders Warn of Risks to Southern California Rail Corridor
Coastal erosion and rising sea levels threaten one of the nation’s most scenic—and strategically important—rail corridors.
Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?
Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?
Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
Updating LA’s Tree Rules Could Bring More Shade to Underserved Neighborhoods
A new USC study finds that relaxing Los Angeles’ outdated tree planting guidelines could significantly expand urban tree canopy and reduce shade disparities in lower-income neighborhoods, though infrastructure investments are also needed.
California's Canal Solar Projects Aim to Conserve Resources and Expand Clean Energy
California’s Project Nexus has begun generating electricity from solar panels installed over irrigation canals, with researchers and state agencies exploring statewide expansion to conserve water and boost clean energy production.
HHS Staff Cuts Gut Energy Assistance Program
The full staff of a federal program that distributes heating and cooling assistance for low-income families was laid off, jeopardizing the program’s operations.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
City of Moreno Valley
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland