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Amtrak, America's Railroad cover art

Amtrak, America's Railroad

By: Geoffrey H. Doughty,Jeffrey T. Darbee,Eugene E. Harmon
Narrated by: Gary L Willprecht
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Summary

In 1971, in an effort to rescue essential freight railroads, the US government founded Amtrak. In the post-World War II era, aviation and highway development had become the focus of government policy in America. As rail passenger services declined in number and in quality, they were simultaneously driving many railroads toward bankruptcy. Amtrak was intended to be the solution.

In Amtrak, America's Railroad: Transportation's Orphan and Its Struggle for Survival, Geoffrey H. Doughty, Jeffrey T. Darbee, and Eugene E. Harmon explore the fascinating history of this popular institution and tell a tale of a company hindered by its flawed origin and uneven quality of leadership, subjected to political gamesmanship and favoritism, and mired in a perpetual philosophical debate about whether it is a business or a public service. Featuring interviews with former Amtrak presidents, the authors examine the current problems and issues facing Amtrak and their proposed solutions.

Created in the absence of a comprehensive national transportation policy, Amtrak manages to survive despite inherent flaws due to the public's persistent loyalty.

The book is published by Indiana University Press. The audiobook is published by University Press Audiobooks.

©2021 Indiana University Press (P)2022 Redwood Audiobooks
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History

Critic reviews

"A fascinating read for anybody who's even remotely interested in Amtrak and its trains. (Railfan & Railroad Magazine)

"For those who want to get into the nuts and bolts of Amtrak's creation and ongoing problems and solutions, I know of no better source than Amtrak America's Railroad. (Classic Trains)

"A thorough and accurate account tracing the saga of Amtrak's ups and downs since its inception. (Rob Krebs, Retired Chairman & CEO, BNSF) 

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  • Mars4404
  • 18-08-22

Detailed analysis regarding Amtrak executive leadership and political headwind

This is an outstanding book for those interested in granularity specific to the railroad’s genesis, executive leadership, political headwind, and the politicization of passenger service. Appendix A is especially interesting. Please note this book does not cover locomotive models in detail, it’s aim is primarily at a company level.

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