Too long an absence from this post but the appointment noted today (8/30/06) of Alexander Kummant as president and CEO of Amtrak deserved some comment. Mr. Kummant comes to Amtrak with a railroad background, except that maybe it's the wrong background. He previously served as a Regional VP of Union Pacific! He also served as UP's VP and General Manager of Industrial Products. It is reported that as a leader for both units, he "was rsponsible for substantially improved customer service, on-time delivery of client products, and significant gains in financial and operational performance". So he's supposed to work the same magic for Amtrak? I guess that means treat people (passengers) as products to be delivered on time and "gains in financial performance" translates to cutting dining car and sleeping car service because that will improve financial performance, right? His other, more recent position, was with Komatsu America, a supplier of construction equipment. Well, that might mean an ability to get some construction equipment for improving rail infrastructure (track, bridges).
Anyway he is supposed to build on the growing national desire for more and improved passenger rail service. I wish I could believe that someone who comes from UP would really do that. UP has not got a good record on handling their freight lines, how can Mr. K deal with improving Amtrak? Maybe his wife (a former senior executive with Santa Fe and BNSF) will exert a good influence over him.
It all remains to be seen. Given the state of travel nowadays rail in the US should be given priority. Improved service, like passenger trains given priority over freight, would be nice. Maybe people would be ready to trade in less speed (flying) for taking a train--none of the prolonged delays on security lines and you can still take something to drink (or get it on board) and your scissors, knitting needles, etc.
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