It’s time to change the conversation about Amtrak’s long-distance night trains.
The conversation should be about growing and expanding the service, not saving what little is left.
We should be talking about how long-distance trains are highly efficient and productive tools for serving many sub-markets, not the cost burden that Amtrak makes them out to be.
The debate should be about acquiring new state-of-the-art trainsets, ways to make our trains run on-time, and when to add service—not casting doubt on their value.
The High Speed Rail Alliance believes in a visionary federal policy to expand service throughout the country.
We champion policies that recognize the power of networks to build volume and value beyond the sum of individual “corridors.”
Long-distance night trains are a foundation that the entire national network can be built on.
The trains are held back by unreliable service, outdated rolling stock and high-overhead costs. These are challenging problems, but they can be overcome with proper investments.
Tell Congress that you want faster and more frequent trains nationwide.
This section is under construction.
In the meantime, we have written on the subject on several occasions.
The Empire Builder is a great example of how sleeper trains serve many markets at once.
Download “Long Distance Trains - A Foundation for National Mobility” - our ideas on how to improve the network.
