Amtrak turns 45 today, leaving many people wondering how is it that a rich and powerful country that was a pioneer in railroad adoption in the 19th century has such terrible passenger trains today.
http://www.vox.com/2...-45-anniversary
If the NEC were spun off as an independent entity — perhaps even a private company — then it could internalize the gains from improved service and seek private financing to make cost-effective investments.
As a business model, that's ridiculous. The best way for Amtrak to improve is to become a 501 © (3) nonprofit. By getting away from this congressional charade that it make a profit, the railroad will become nimble to adjust to market conditions and have greater opportunity to attract grants for capital improvements.
Sloan