> The San Diego >NCTD seems particularly turf conscious, having deliberately purchased commuter rail cars whose electrical systems are incompatible with Metrolink.
> Metrolink itself, while officially the “Regional Rail Authority” for Southern California......

So what did you expect? -- for them to goose step in exact unison. And since when was Metrolink appointed to be the sole "authority" in all of Southern California. --- Fact: it never was! Its authority ends at the county lines.

Each locality is responsible for their own operations in their own region and are entitled to their own view of what is best. Each is accountable to its own constituents; and is not and should not be required to goose step to its neighbor, nor even to some big "Fuhrer" in the sky. Therefore, there will be quite a bit of diversity from one system to another. Diversity is good. It might cost a bit more overall, but we are all the better for it in the long run.

As for the Amtrak Surfliners: It is yet another authority, more regional in nature (larger than most states even); and it too is subject only to its own constituents. This is as it should be. It is not "balkanization" at all, but rather, specialization. This is essentially similar to the setup on the Northeast Corridor, where Amtrak provides high speed long haul (several hours) intercity service and several separate local entities provide local suburban services. It seems to work there - no reason it won't here.

Yes, it would be desirable to have coordinated services, but it is not always practical - and it certainly does not require that all goose step in unison, nor need there be identical or even compatible equipment - just compatible schedules.

BTW - - Your use of the Southwest Airlines example is flawed to the core, considering that it is sinking right along with the rest of the airline industry. By definition then, the actions of that board are quite flawed!


OPB