Amtrak 90 is a comprehensive, multistage plan for turning deficit-ridden intercity rail passenger service in the United States into an attractive, efficient, profitable operation. By turning this plan into reality, government funding of Amtrak would not be needed after 1990. In contrast, maintaining the status quo would require more than $12 billion in subsidies just to cover the present level of service through the year 2000.
Moving Amtrak' s finances into the profit column will require $4.7 billion in capital expenditures over an eight-year period. This is less than the New York City Transit authority's capital improvement program for the next five years. On an annual basis, the capital costs proposed in Amtrak 90 are on a par with investment levels planned by British Rail for upgrading the United Kingdom system. The $4.7 billion required for upgrading and expanding Amtrak into a 39,000-mile national system can also be contrasted with the $2 billion that American High Speed Rail Corporation proposes to spend to develop a 125-mile-per-hour bullet train service on the 120-mile route connecting Los Angeles and San Diego.
The additional locomotives and cars to be acquired under the Amtrak 90 plan are based on proven technology. Because new equipment is required in large quantity, costly risks associated with untried, exotic designs are avoided.
The expanded system as proposed in Amtrak 90 will be a truly national one with rail passenger service to 47 of the lower 48 states. As the network grows from the current 24,000 route miles to nearly 39,000 in 1990, the number of cities and towns with train service will increase from just under 500 to nearly 800, and an additional 35 million Americans will have rail as a travel mode choice.
The quantity and quality of Amtrak service will be greatly improved. Travelers will find themselves able to reach more communities more frequently by train. The options of services and accommodations will provide for a greater choice to fit travelers' preferences and pocketbooks.
Other positive economic impacts will result from implementing Amtrak 90. Railroad employment will rise with the creation of 36,000 new passenger train jobs. Many additional jobs will be created in the railroad equipment industry and positive ripple effects will be felt by suppliers of components and in basic industries, including steel, glass, aluminum, plastics, fabrics, and other materials.
Once the expanded system outlined in Amtrak 90 is in place, the United States will have a quality intercity rail passenger service upon which further growth can take place through the 1990s and into the twenty-first century.