Transportation Trades Department (TTD), of which TCU is a member, President Ed Wytkind Testified before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee (T&I), Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee field hearing March 11, 2011. The hearing titled “Finding Ways to Encourage and Increase Private Sector Participation in Passenger Rail Service” again focused on ways to privatize passenger rail service across the U.S.
In his written testimony Wytkind emphasized the recent TTD Executive Committee decision to keep Amtrak as the centerpiece of high speed rail in America. “Now that Amtrak has stable senior management with a long-term vision and a Board committed to Amtrak’s growth and expansion, the future of the company is promising…that is, if Congress gives Amtrak and its workforce the chance to succeed.”
“Those who seek to slash Amtrak’s budget or privatize services – and in essence set the company up to fail – ignore the fact that the rail carrier and its skilled employees are performing better than at any time in its history. And now it is up to Congress, together with the Obama Administration, to foster, not derail, the continued transformation of Amtrak as demand for passenger rail service is on the rise.”
TCU President Bob Scardelletti said “Now is the time to properly fund Amtrak and create a high speed rail system in the northeast corridor and beyond that will benefit the entire country. Jobs, great service, reduced congestion and less dependence on foreign oil can all be accomplished with a stable long-term funding source for Amtrak.”
Click here to read the written testimony of TTD President Ed Wytkind.
Click here to read the release from the TTD.