The Amtrak Story

Book · Sat Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1994

OSTI ID:35452

Wilner, F N

The `Amtrak Story` is a well written, readable, but comprehensive and fully documented history of Amtrak. Amtrak`s story is preceded by an account of the perilous state of the railroad passenger service prior to its inauguration. The beginnings of federal involvement with long haul passenger service are chronicled, in particular the High Speed Ground Transportation Act of 1965 and the establishment of the Metroliner service in the Northeast Corridor. In the 1980`s, as the Reagan Administration and Amtrak management fought with Amtrak`s labor unions, reform was made in work rules, employee pay, and benefits. The final chapter, `Amtrak`s Future`, indicates that public support for intercity rail service has contributed to Amtrak`s survival and also the huge costs society must bear if air and road transportation are relied on exclusively. The author notes that trains are environmentally friendly, fuel efficient, and safe; also that states, which are closer to the public than the federal government, are now inventing in passenger rail. For anyone interested in railroads or passenger transportation, this book is required reading.

• OSTI ID: 35452
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
HISTORICAL ASPECTS
MASS TRANSIT SYSTEMS
PUBLIC POLICY
RAILWAYS
RAPID TRANSIT SYSTEMS
TRAINS
TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS
US DOT