Quote:
Originally Posted by VivaLFuego
In fairness, Amtrak really should be considered as 2 (or possibly even 3) distinct rail networks:
1. The long-distance routes
2. The regional routes (generally <500mi)
2a. The Northeast corridor
Any remotely plausible HSR investment program would only be targeting #2, which is a heck of a lot less than 21,000 route miles.
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Maybe you can separate the management of Amtrak's trains into three groups, but you can't do so operationally. All the long distance trains and most of the regional routes, through Amtrak's biggest station (New York), run at least partially on the Northeast Corridor. Most New York City trains never leave the Northeast Corridor.
Therefore, any improvements you make on the Northeast Corridor are going to improve certain long distance and regional trains too.
Additionally, I believe Congress has defined the difference between regional and long distance trains at 750 miles, not the 500 you suggested.