CLEVELAND, November 12, 2001 — In an exclusive telephone interview, Amtrak Board member Michael Dukakis expressed his dismay at the Amtrak Reform Council’s recommendation for liquidation of the national passenger railroad.
The former Massachusetts Governor and 1988 Presidential candidate was “absolutely baffled” by the council’s 6-5 decision.
“The country is at war. The airline industry is in a massive meltdown. Our passengers are up, our revenues are up,” said Dukakis. “Why anyone would suggest at this point that we seriously consider liquidating or otherwise disposing of Amtrak is beyond me.”
“This is the time that we should be investing in Amtrak, building Amtrak, investing in high speed corridors around the country. Making Amtrak a national rail passenger system that we can be proud of. This is what the board intends to do.”
The railroad must draw up plans for its own liquidation. Congress will review Amtrak’s liquidation plan and a proposal to be drawn up by the council for a restructured national passenger rail system, which are both due within 90 days. Congress will make a final decision about the future of Amtrak and rail service. Until then, the service will keep running.
Congress already is considering Amtrak’s future and what role if any the railway will play in developing high-speed trains around the country. The Bush administration also is working on a plan for passenger rail.
“Our folks at Amtrak have been carrying the country on their backs since the 11th of September,” said Dukakis. “They have performed magnificently.”