AMTRAK BOARD VOTES TO SPIN OFF NORTHEAST CORRIDOR

In a startling new development Amtrak’s Board, all Bush appointees, has voted to begin the process of breaking up the national passenger railroad. The decision, held in closed quarters and kept secret until now, was made on September 22nd. A report of the vote became public when a Florida group released the information in its newsletter. How it got this secret information is highly suspect.

The plan by Amtrak’s board would create a totally new subsidiary which would both own and operate the entire northeast corridor, thus separating that segment of the rail network from the rest of the national system.

According to a report in today’s New York Times, “the plan, which would require action by Congress, is to transfer the corridor to a consortium including the federal government and the governments of the states in the region that would share the costs to maintain it.”

Be aware that this is part of the broader effort by the Bush administration to dissolve Amtrak and dismantle the national passenger rail system, the first step down the road to privatization and the elimination of long distance routes. In addition, by separating the Northeast Corridor from the rest of the system, this would effectively divide the national pro-rail coalition, thus weakening Amtrak’s support in Congress.

I call upon all Friends of Amtrak supporters to categorically reject this move. This is serious, folks! Let your representatives in the House and Senate know that this plan by Amtrak’s board must be rejected.

CALL CONGRESS - TELL THEM TO REJECT THE AMTRAK BOARD’S PLAN TO DIVIDE AMTRAK. To reach the Congressional switchboard call 1-202-224-3121.

For more contact information go to:
http://trainweb.org/crocon/congress.html

Regards,
Craig O'Connell
Friends of Amtrak
http://FriendsOfAmtrak.com

posted by Cyndy | link | | |