Train travel on track for a large push

After half a century as more of a curiosity than a convenience, passenger trains are getting back on track in some parts of the country.

The high cost of fuel, coupled with congestion on highways and at airports, is drawing travelers back to trains not only for commuting but also for travel between cities as much as 500 miles apart.

Last week, Californians approved Proposition 1A to sell nearly $10 billion in bonds to get going on an 800-mile system of bullet trains that could zip along at 200 mph, linking the Bay Area and Southern California and the cities in between.

In the Midwest, transportation officials are pushing a plan to connect cities in nine states in a hub-and-spoke system centered in Chicago.

The public is far ahead of policymakers in recognizing trains as an attractive alternative to cars and planes, said Rep. James L. Oberstar (D-Minn.), chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

"I think we're at a transformational point in intercity passenger rail service," Oberstar said.

Amtrak, the passenger rail service that struggled for years to attract riders, drew a record 28.7 million in the fiscal year ended Sept. 30. That is 11% more than the year before and the sixth straight year that ridership has increased. Ticket revenue hit a record $1.7 billion, a $200-million increase from a year earlier.

Rail travel is gaining greater favor in Congress, which provides the subsidies needed to keep Amtrak rolling. Lawmakers are trying to find ways to deal with high fuel prices, congested and aging roads and bridges, and an air-traffic control system that relies largely on World War II-era technology.

Congress passed legislation last month that sets a goal of providing $13 billion over five years to Amtrak; it's a major vote of confidence for the railroad. The measure also encourages development of high-speed rail corridors and contains $2 billion in grants to states to enhance or introduce new service between cities. The money still must be appropriated.

President Bush, an Amtrak critic who has opposed anything more than minimal money for the rail service over the last eight years, signed the bill Oct. 16.

With the economy in crisis and credit tightening, rail supporters acknowledge there is uncertainty in securing all the money, especially when competing with highway and aviation lobbies for any additional transportation dollars.