Amtrak in 1973 and other stories about trains | 60 Minutes Full Episodes
In a Nutshell
Amtrak's 1973 struggles—chronic delays, poor tracks, financial losses, and railroad resistance—highlighted failing U.S. passenger rail, echoed in modern woes like California's ballooning $126B high-speed rail project's delays and funding shortfalls, Brightline's private Vegas-LA push, and NYC subway's $40B overhaul needs. Broader infrastructure decay includes 70,000 deficient bridges, crumbling roads, congested air/sea/rail hubs like the 104-year-old Portal Bridge, and political gridlock stalling fixes despite bipartisan calls for gas tax hikes and spending. Without national will, U.S. lags global leaders in high-speed rail and maintenance, risking economic and safety crises.
These notes were generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies.
Amtrak is a semi-public corporation set up by Congress a couple of years ago to save long-distance passenger trains from death. Railroads still operate the trains despite wanting out of passenger business. Amtrak funnels money to 13 railroads in its system. Congress gave Amtrak over $200 million since operation; Amtrak lost it all.
Conservationists argue trains pollute less than automobiles. Energy experts say trains carry most people for least fuel. Nostalgia buffs see trains as symbol of America's glory days. In 1930s, train travel was elegant adventure, most comfortable for long distances.
Passenger trains declined in 40 years: 20,000 trains a day to less than 250. By end of 1970s, intercity passenger trains may disappear except perhaps Metroliner New York to Washington, like steamboat and stagecoach.
Crew boarded James Whitcomb Riley train in Indianapolis for Chicago. Union Station Indianapolis once finest in nation, 200 trains a day, vital link east-west, called Railroad City. Now 6 passenger trains a day at Romanesque revival station, bleak with Amtrak banner.
Train 20 minutes late, often over hour late. James Whitcomb Riley, named after Hoosier poet, running 30 years. Trip once 3 hours 50 minutes; now 5 hours 30 minutes, 4 cars, miserable roadbed, already 35 minutes late.
Amtrak passenger traffic up 10% last year, but Riley sparse: capacity 130, only 35 from Indianapolis. Why take 5.5 hours vs. half time by car or 1 hour plane?
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