Amtrak: On the Right Track to Green

With gas prices consistently soaring, airport delays, high costs, traffic and the like, train travel is becoming more and more popular as a viable and more green alternative. Perhaps American riders are taking a cue from our European friends; Amtrak, the ever-popular carrier who has become synonymous with American train travel, is enjoying its 5th [...]

With gas prices consistently soaring, airport delays, high costs, traffic and the like, train travel is becoming more and more popular as a viable and more green alternative. Perhaps American riders are taking a cue from our European friends; Amtrak, the ever-popular carrier who has become synonymous with American train travel, is enjoying its 5th straight year of “record ridership” across the country.

Despite delays, derailments and critical financial status, Amtrak is continually attracting travelers to the rails. Even more, 14 U.S. states have financially invested in Amtrak to bring rail service to short-distance corridors that Amtrak wouldn’t otherwise offer, resulting in a steady rise in travelers, climbing to 24.3 million passengers last year.

Yet, although trains seem to be the #1 green alternative to air travel, Amtrak is still dependent on government assistance to stay afloat amidst its strangling $3.3 billion debt. Sen. Trent Lott, a supporter of the bipartisan Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act, is lobbying for a bill that would pull Amtrak away from its financial woes by awarding the company with almost $9 billion to cover debt, operating expenses and capital improvements. The bill would cover Amtrak from 2008 to 2012.

Increased funds would especially increase the number and frequency of trains, giving travelers even more opportunity to opt for the rails rather than the sky.