Trains and Katrina

[ElanthianSiren]

I just read an article on Amtrak's website dealing with the fact that Amtrak and the freight rail have taken their first train of people from NO to the Astrodome. It doesn't sound super extraordinary, until you consider that they've taken 1800 people in one trip, while the 50 busses, managed about 3,000 in much longer time.

Further, anyone who knows the history between Amtrak and freight rail will realize how big of a deal this is; if you don't, just know it's not the most amicable of coexisting business types.

Anyway, I just thought I'd share this because it exemplifies the way that people are willing to set aside their differences at a time like this and is rather heart-warming. Hopefully, they will be able to get it to work, as it would speed up getting people out of the area.

-M

[Apotheosis]

with the way the transportation economy is changing, I expect that amtrak is going to see an increase in customers. This is a good PR move, and obviously it is a positive example of businesses helping out in times of crisis.

[TheRoseLady]

Thanks for the positive story hon. I listened to MSNBC tonight and now I can't even sleep having listened to a photo-journalist talking about the dire straits of people at the convention center. People dying in front of his eyes from dehydration, infants, elderly people.

I don't know a thing about staging disaster recovery operations, but I can't for the life of me understand why no food and water has been airdropped to the convention center.

I pray they get them all out asap.

[peam]

As one who works in the rail industry, the pairing between Amtrak and industrial rail is no big thing. It happens anywhere that Amtrak runs.

However, it does come to a surprise to me that rails are adequate for safe transportation. A flood is the railroad's worst nightmare. Even minor flooding wipes out the foundation that rail is built upon. Awesome that it's still up though. Rail really is, if not one of the most overlooked, one of the most effecient means of transporting considerable loads.

[Heshinar]

On the subject of Companies helping out. Wal Mart once again opened its doors so to speak and is giving whatever is needed for people to live. Water, Food mainly. Clothes as well.

It may be a Union Reps nightmare but the company does know what is right and wrong in situations like this.

They did the same thing during the blackout and 9/11.

BTW for you Starbucks Fans out there... during 9/11 attacks when water and such was so needed corporate Starbucks ordered their stores to SELL NOT GIVE water to people. They refused to give anything to help those in need for free.

[HarmNone]

Just heard a moment ago that there's been a large explosion on Charter Street, near the French Quarter. They're saying train cars are exploding, but don't yet know why. Things just seem to go from bad to worse for those poor souls.