National Association of Railroad Passengers: www.narprail.org

Letter from NARP President George Chilson to NARP members

Dear Fellow NARP Member:

I am writing to explain the position NARP has taken in the aftermath of David Gunn’s dismissal as Amtrak’s president. Our mission is to represent the passenger and to advocate for the improvement and expansion of passenger train service throughout the nation. That mission is greater than any single individual or even Amtrak itself.

I believe that David Gunn was the right man at the right time.  He saved Amtrak from certain collapse, implemented significant reforms and reframed the debate about intercity passenger train service. Most importantly, he restored Amtrak’s credibility on Capitol Hill, achieving a string of favorable votes in Congress this year, culminating with the stunning 93-6 vote in the Senate last month to reauthorize Amtrak. The strong and growing Congressional support has upset Administration plans to “reform” Amtrak in ways that would eliminate intercity passenger train service for most or all Americans.

Gunn opposed the Administration’s plan, so it was only natural that his termination raised suspicions. Was his firing part of a larger scheme to break up Amtrak and eliminate the national network? The uncertainty created a firestorm of criticism. NARP did not join this chorus because our research indicated that Amtrak Board Chairman David Laney is setting a direction that is independent of the Administration’s destructive agenda and that Gunn’s dismissal did not result from a conflict over policy. Indications:

• The board asked for $1.8 billion when the Administration proposed zero;
• The board approved a plan to upgrade the Empire Builder even though Secretary Mineta incorrectly characterized all long distance trains as unneeded and unused;
• The board selected David Hughes—a highly regarded former railroad president who was one of Gunn’s early hires at Amtrak—as acting president and CEO. It is unlikely that Hughes would have accepted this assignment if the board expected him to reverse course.
• Chairman Laney stated under oath at the November hearing that the board planned no sale of NEC assets and will not create a separate infrastructure subsidiary if further study makes the idea appear unwise or impractical;
• Laney has also has made a public commitment to expand service.

Your Association will be monitoring board actions closely, particularly:

• The selection of the next president;
• Approval of investments needed to make food and beverage service on the long-distance trains more efficient;
• Outreach efforts to the Congress and the states;
• The continued absence of any 180 day train-off notices.

NARP is recognized as a responsible advocacy organization.  We must maintain a professional demeanor so that we are in a position to work effectively with Chairman Laney, the Amtrak Board and Amtrak’s President.

—George L. Chilson