Wanted - New Rail Barons

[Ytzak]

It is time for Americans to realize that we are never going back to the days of cheap oil and cheaper gas. Our individually based transportation system, otherwise known as the automobile, may not be history but will change dramatically in a world where gas is $6.00 or more a gallon. It is time for the second most efficient transportation system in the world to reemerge.

Rail is beat only by big transport ships for efficiency, but isn't limited to ports or deep river traffic. It can be used as light rail for local commuter traffic, long distance high speed passenger rail, or heavy cargo. Rebuilding the system will not be cheap, but it is critical for America that we find new Rail Barons.

The US Government must encourage the expansion of rail, either though AMTRAK style subsidies, or tax incentives to encourage private companies to enter the field. Yes, its not the same experience as a car. You can't carry your private chunk of personal space. Rail is a more community based experience. But we are not going back to the days of cheap gas and the sooner we start building for the future the easier our transition to a different civilization will be.
Travelers Shift to Rail as Cost of Fuel Rises
Eclectic Writer

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

1. Isn't McCain trying to kill Amtrak?

[Ytzak]

5. Yes, McCain opposes all subsidies for AMTRAK.

Not surprising since McCain is just another cut from a pattern Regan/Bush Corplican. Obama supports subsides for AMTRAK.

Railroads were built in the US because the US Government blatantly allowed the first generation rail barons to rape and plunder what they wanted. But it created a network of rail that was close to the best in the world. Like other mass transit systems, it was junked with the switch to a Consumer Culture and automobiles under FDR.

[MasonJar]

2. As I am sure most people know, Europe and Britain rely heavily on

the railroad for their transportation, local and cross border. They never gave it up, which shows how very grounded the EUers are and always have been. They also drive smaller cars and scooters and etc.

[State the Obvious]

3. I love the trains!

Growing up on the Southside of Chicago, I took the "IC" into the loop many times. Now that I am in Los Angeles.....I enjoy taking the Southwest Chief back to Illinois to visit relatives. There is something about the rocking motion of the train and the stillness at night that is very appealing to me. (Granted...there is much to be done to improve rail transportation...it has been neglected for far too many years.)

(Rachael Maddow is also a big train/Amtrak supporter.):applause:

[Eurobabe]

4. Yes!

Our rail system in Europe is part of the reason why people can still afford to get around with gas hovering near $8-9 per US gallon (1,60 per liter). It's too bad the oil and auto lobbies killed any chance to make America's rail system larger and stronger, that needs to change and quickly.

[phantom power]

6. Warren Buffett is making some moves in this direction.

[AndyTiedye]

7. Kick for More Rail

:kick:

[jwirr]

8. Some areas still have much of their infrastructure still setting there.

We here in Northern Minnesota see ore trains all the time. For us it would be fairly easy to rebuild but Iowa farmers have removed a lot of their rails so they could have more farm land. They would have a bit more to do. It is a very good idea to rebuild the rail systems.

[flashl]

9. Indeed, the notion of Rail Barons is returning

The Two Other Rail Companies Warren Buffett Bought: Norfolk Southern Corp (NSC) and Union Pacific Corp (UNP)

What are the two other rail companies that Warren Buffett has bought? Warren Buffett bought 23 million shares of Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNI) and said that he bought another two rail companies. Today we learned that these two companies are Norfolk Southern Corp (NSC) and Union Pacific Corp (UNP).

Warren Buffett and George Soros Concur on Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp. (BNI) and Norfolk Southern Corp. (NSC), Differ on Union Pacific Corp. (UNP)

... both Warren Buffett and George Soros bought rail companies Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp. (BNI) and Norfolk Southern Corp. (NSC) during the first quarter. Warren Buffett started buying rail companies during the third quarter of 2006, and has been adding to his positions. By the end of March 2007, His investment company Berkshire Hathaway owns more than 34 million shares of Burlington Northern Santa Fe and more than 6 million shares of Norfolk Southern Corp. George Soros started buying both companies during last quarter. He owns a few thousand shares for both companies through his hedge fund, Soros Fund Management LLC. While Warren Buffett also bought another rail company, Union Pacific Corp. (UNP), Soros is already reducing his holding with UNP.

Senators: Group may seek control of CSX - Foreign investors' rail bid examined

Senators from both parties are calling for an investigation into a move by unknown foreign investors to gain more control of one of the nation's largest railroads, which serves military bases and transports nuclear materials across the country.

The six members of the Senate Banking Committee expressed concern that The Children's Investment Fund (TCI), a London-based group, could be setting the stage for the foreign investors to take control of the CSX rail line. The fund is trying to win five seats on CSX's 12-member board.

[Ytzak]

10. Railroads utilize a communal system that has not bee popular in the US

To work our way out of the problems we face, rail is tool we can use to re-engineer our culture. We will change to we will pass into history.

[sickofcomplacence]

11. my planned Amtrak route home next week is sold out already!

i never thought i'd have to worry about Amtrak selling out a week ahead of the planned travel date...now i'm stuck spending a fortune on a multiple-stop airfare or riding an unreliable greyhound...and i have to get from albany to milwaukee!

if anyone has any ideas i'm all ears!!

[bluedawg12]

12. Go puff-puff. All in for trains! n/t