My only additional comment here: the passenger business "nail in the coffin" was when the Post Office pulled their contracts. IF the government returned that business now, it would be nothing but an accounting trick, as they now run both. And both lose money.
What I can't understand in this age of UPS, FedEx, and Amazon is how Amtrak lost money on their Express business.
What I also can't understand in this age of national "casual dining" chains is how Amtrak can lose money on their dining cars. They can't subcontract to Applebees or something for a guaranteed built-in customer base?
Okay. That was three comments.
Jon