Many LDT's should be separated into corridors and service based on the Australian model of a once or twice per week cruise trains.

1-3 times per day corridor day trains feeding Chicago from Minneapolis, Omaha, KC, Memphis, Indianapolis/Cincinnati(& one to Charleston), Cleveland/Pittsburgh, Buffalo/Syracuse. Similar to the NYC from Cleveland/Toledo, Cleveland/Pittsburgh-DC, Cincinnati/Charleston-DC. Birmingham/Atlanta-DC/NYC, Memphis-New Orleans, maybe New Orleans-Atlanta. New Orleans/Houston-San Antonio, San Antonio-Dallas, Oklahoma City/KC?-Dallas, Tucson-LA, LA-SF/Sacramento, Denver-Grand Junction/Salt Lake City.

Builder, Zephyr, SWC, Sunset once or twice per week (and maybe a 3 per week or daily day train LA-Albuquerque.) Maybe adjust endpoints (Sunset only San Antonio-LA?) Starlight 3 per week or daily depending on demand. Shorter overnight Texas Eagle Dallas-Chicago maybe 3 per week or daily depending on demand. 1 or 2 times per week sleeper train from Dallas or San Antonio-Atlanta-Savannah/Jacksonville to connect the Southeast and Southwest. Daily Chicago-NYC and NYC-Florida overnight trains account shorter distance.

Reduced frequency on the western LDT-s may free up enough equipment to add the new Southeast cruise train and lengthen the remaining LDT consists, increasing on board staffing efficiency. Seek some exemptions and adjustment to FRA regulations, such as the ban on operating crews taking rest on board, for the once or twice per week cruise trains.

Would preserve Amtrak service and access for all routes.