There may well be signs of positive change afoot at the UP with Mr. Young at the helm. They have some tough negotiating to do to protect there real business interests, and folks leading complex business enterprises need to meet market expectations. But, there are some good signs. In a conversation with Alex Kummant (a former UP guy) last weekend, he noted that the UP was willing to discuss a number of issues regarding Amtrak performance, and that he had high hopes for improvements to the Starlight after the major maintenance blitz on the coast this summer. Resolution of some of the petty issues like name licensing of model railroad products and the photo issue in Illinois, where some common sense was shown, also lend credence to a change in attitude toward the really silly edicts that were the hallmark of the previous administration at UP.

And, it is only decent, not just good PR, to thank the first responders and community for their help and the inconvenience due to the fire.

Bob2