RSC: Federal Funding For Amtrak & HSR On Chopping Block

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No, rail has value for everyone. The problem is that many simply don't realize that; they equate value with "would they ride it." But everyone in this country gains value by the rail that is currently in use. They gain value by having fewer people in front of them when they drive down a road/highway. They gain value by having less expense for the roads. They gain value by having the cheaper subsidies for trains instead of the more expensive subsidies for buses.
Rail is not a panacea for traffic. A whole lot of people wouldn't be helped in the slightest by that effect on the roadways.
Rail is most certainly a panacea for traffic, when properly utilized. For example, the LIRR moves more people into NYC's Penn Station during the 4 hour morning rush hour than the 7 lanes of highway through Queens can move into Manhattan. Take away the LIRR and I wouldn't be able move my car during rush hour in Queens.

Now I'll grant that's a unique situation, but the simple reality is that unless you don't ever visit or even get near any of our cities with a population of 100,000 or more, you would still benefit from reduced traffic if you are driving near a city with rail. And I'd bet that maybe 10% or less of the population can make such a claim that they don't visit any city of size.
 
Volkris is entitled to express his opinion and most of probably will disagree with it.

If he doesn't want money spent on Amtrak, first lets address the bigger costs- $15 billion that the government spends to maintain the airports for the benefit of the private airline companies ( not including TSA costs) and $40 billion for the roads/highways and what about the billions to support government agencies? How about the $14 billion in earmarks, and the $60 billion spent on foreign wars and the $40 billion in foreign aid? I maintain that Amtrak, that costs only 2-3% of the total transportation budget is a good buy. It offers something of value to the American people, especially when the price of oil climbs to record levels. I predict that ridership will again be up for the third consecuative year. If Vokris is disappointed that Amtrak needs subsidies to operate it must be remembered that many other goverment services cost far more.

This opinion comes from someone independent who is neither a Socialist, liberal Democrat, or a big business Republican.
 
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