AMTRAK REQUESTS LESS MONEY!

[Ocklawaha]

http://www.youtube.com/v/5u5cOQGVGYs?version=3&hl=en_US
BTW boys and girls, THIS is what Florida High Speed Rail should look like BEFORE we plunk down a few billion....

Holy greenbacks Batman, this federal agency wants LESS! Way to go Amtrak!

Amtrak is requesting $450 million in federal operating support for fiscal year 2013, a lower amount than the $466 million appropriated by Congress for FY 2012.

The ability to seek reduced federal operating funding results from successful and ongoing efforts by Amtrak to improve its financial performance, including increased efficiency, cost controls, and debt reduction as well as better service, record ridership and anticipated increases in revenue.

“Amtrak’s request for less federal operating support is a strong statement on just how much this railroad has improved its management and financial health. The fact is, Amtrak now covers 85 percent of its operating costs with non-federal dollars and we will further improve on that number without cutting service,” said President/CEO Joe Boardman.

Amtrak submitted the request to Congress as part of its FY 2013 Grant and Legislative Request for federal funding to support its operating and capital investment needs. It also contains a detailed discussion of legislative issues, including Amtrak’s top five priorities for a new surface transportation bill.

The full FY 2013 request totals $2.167 billion and supports aggressive efforts by Amtrak to build the equipment, infrastructure and organization needed to ensure continued strong growth. The company is investing in projects critical for enhancing the passenger experience, essential for supporting its national network and vital for its future.

SOURCE: METRO MAGAZINE UPDATE - http://us.mg5.mail.yahoo.com/neo/launch?.rand=1lrit4snde2et

[JeffreyS]

That is a message to spread. Kudos Amtrak.

[tufsu1]

the reality is they seek less because they understand the political realities in Congress

[FayeforCure]

Rather deceiving post don't you think Ock?

You are only quoting the operating expenses request.

However they are asking for increased Capital expenses:

The $1.435 billion request for FY 2013 for capital and infrastructure projects is a significant increase over the $657 million appropriated by Congress for FY 2012. Boardman said that the increase is necessary to move beyond mere maintenance of existing equipment and infrastructure and to invest in improvements that support faster, more frequent and more reliable service in the Northeast, the Midwest and elsewhere. For example, Amtrak is ready to move forward on NEC projects that address the major backlog of deferred maintenance and enhance capacity at key chokepoints, provide greater connectivity and increase operating speeds.

http://www.metro-magazine.com/News/Story/2012/02/Amtrak-requests-reduction-in-federal-funds.aspx

Thank you Mr. Boardman, for understanding that our nation needs to invest in rail infrastructure, unlike most Republicans think today.

[tufsu1]

as I've said many times, capital and operating are two entirely different pots of money