Ishmael112 said...

When you buy things for your home do you always buy the very cheapest product you can find?

Good analogy... and the answer is no.

I want things in my home to last as long as possible and well... the cheapest just doesn't even come close!

FWIW

We agree that Joe Biden has gotten an infrastructure bill through the Congress with a lot of money for expanding the passenger rail system.   

But the Federal Government always buys the cheapest thing through competitive bidding.   I worked for the Goverment for over 40 years.   And beleive me, the cheapness shows.  

But without the Federal Government we would have little or no rail passenger service at all.   

Oh, I'm very familiar with government procurements. 

When I joined the Navy in 1977, I went through boot camp. And one thing they taught you was how to use an M-16 and a pistol.

And after they explained everything about those weapons, the Chief said... and treat them carefully because they were procured from the lowest bidder! (* CHUCKLE *)

FWIW

I started riding Northeast Regional Trains back in the days of the New York New Haven and Hartford Railroad.   If there was a worse run railroad I have never heard of it.   But the NH did know how to print time tables and they were always available.   And the NH did know how to sell tickets without creating obstacles for riders.   These things have eluded Amtrak.   

In fairness, back in the old days I recall standing from Providence to New Haven.   With Amtrak I always get a seat.   

Ish