(Amtrak President Joe Boardman issued the following message to Amtrak employees this week.)
"Dear Co-workers:
"To support our corporate growth strategy and our goal of remaining the premier operator of high-speed passenger service in the United States, I am creating a new High-Speed Rail Department at Amtrak, which will be led by a vice president reporting directly to me.
"The board of directors approved this change yesterday at its monthly meeting and we plan to move quickly to fill the new vice president position so he or she can build a department that will focus on pursuing opportunities to expand our high-speed rail operation.
"Specifically, this department will work on the planning and development activities that will allow us to significantly increase operating speeds above 150 mph (240 kph) on the Northeast Corridor.
It will also pursue partnerships with states and others in the passenger rail industry to develop federally-designated high-speed rail corridors such as the new projects moving forward in California and Florida.
"Amtraks leadership in this area is reaffirmed in the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 and we must make every effort to remain in that position.
"The increasing demand for passenger rail service means we will face new competition from companies all over the world, but we have several strategic advantages that we must not waste. We have assets, partnerships and knowledge that others do not. And most importantly we have an extremely skilled team of employees that is unmatched.
"In short, we are uniquely qualified to meet the goals laid out by President Obama and the administrations vision of high-speed rail in America.
"Our new High-Speed Rail Department will capitalize on these assets to ensure that we keep our position as the most effective, most professional high-speed rail operator in the nation.
"We will continue to keep you informed as we develop this new department. In the meantime, please keep up the great work and continue to work safely."
They can plan all they want. Until they come up with the money to replace the centurys old PRR electrification cantenary and supports they will never be able to run super hispeed trains.
They can plan all they want. Until they come up with the money to replace the centurys old PRR electrification cantenary and supports they will never be able to run super hispeed trains.