How to get Amtrak back on the right track

Re “Keep it rolling,” editorial, Aug. 31

No one knows how Alexander Kummant will improve Amtrak as its new president.

However, “aiming to close some unprofitable routes” will not help. Pull out a 1971 Amtrak map and see what we have already lost. Yet none of these cuts improved the bottom line. Instead, rail became less of an option for many.

If anything, Amtrak must obtain more equipment, increase the service on existing routes and bring rail service to new areas.

Meanwhile, the federal government must provide meaningful leadership and funds to start expanding the system.

NUMAN PARADA

Communications Director

Transit Coalition

Sylmar

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Thanks for exposing the issues concerning Amtrak. Congress uses as its excuse for lack of support of Amtrak a lack of rider interest. If such is the case, why? Riders want trains to be on time. They can’t be on time because Union Pacific owns the tracks and gives everything else preference. It’s a Catch-22 situation.

We ride the trains a lot. In the light of other options, there is a huge interest in train travel, but riders want trains to be reliable and with more frequent schedules, not less.

In some cases, train trips are quicker, and less stressful, than going through airports and flying.

Privatization is an insane idea for trains. When Congress provides equivalent subsidies to other transportation systems, and changes the rules that prevent Amtrak from providing prompt service, you will find skyrocketing interest and reliable service at modest prices.

RAY HEER

Pasadena

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The airlines have lost billions of dollars and received billions in government subsidies since 9/11. Guess what the real price of an airline ticket is?

The railroads in America are operating on 19th century right of ways, 20th century signaling and equipment and 18th century management.

The Union Pacific railroad can’t figure out how to meet a contracted performance schedule with Amtrak for one passenger train a day. Is this any way to run an airline?

DENNIS ARNTZ

Laguna Niguel