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Amtrak reports 11 consecutive months of record ridership
Romney said shut it down…
I guess the Republicans are right. Nobody uses trains.
More people keep riding the hay wagon dragged over frozen plowed fields, otherwise known as Amtrak, and the government welfare project still loses money. Why? Because there is no incentive to break even. Cover the losses by fleecing the taxpayers or add it to the deficit spending for the children and grandchildren. In the private sector, devoid of government interference, the private railroad would adjust rates to reflect demand. If costs still exceed income, then it’s time to sell off that part of the business which is failing or shut down the money loser. The only time a money loser survives in business is if the business model demands the money loser exists in order to keep the rest of the business profitable. Of course, this concept can’t be comprehended by the progressives who want the government to run everything at taxpayer expense.
When it comes to transportation choice, Americans in increasing numbers are voting smartly with their feet.
Keep AMTRAK IT IS VITAL TO AMERICAS TRANSPORTATION NEEDS… IF ROMNEY GETS THE PRESIDENTIAL BID AND SHUTS DOWN AMTRAK IT WOULD BE A DISGRACE TO AMERICA. So many people (elderely, and disabled) depend on AMTRAK who cannot drive or fly… Also think of the jobs lost… is that what ROMNEY WANTS TO DO CREATE HIGHER UNEMPLOYMENT? Granted AMTRAK IS A GOVERNMENT ENTITY and has difficulty conforming to budget. The big freight railroads surely want nothing to do with passenger service… The fact is AMTRAK can be run on a improved budget if it is done correctly…After all AMTRAK IS ALL AMERICA HAS and we should fight to keep it until the time comes when passenger trains become privatized which will happen in the future once all other methods of mass transportation fail and have difficulties…
Jeff Guse: if privatization is such a good thing for our nation’s transportation systems, look no further than the roads run by the toll hogs. The recent GOP convention was an epitome of an iept system of transportation and logistical affairs of moving delegates around Tampa Bay was a big bust for the most part. Say goodbye to your farmlands in Illinois if the Illiana Turnpike is built, the truckers will continue to use I-80 to avoid the tolls and keep prices low on everything we buy for our daily needs. Libertarians falsely think building more roads so they can also open caSINos in remote areas along them will relieve traffic congestion and wipe out the debt. It’s a gamble that has failed and only beneifts rich speeding jackasses and greedy land speculators.
Also, railroads might be able to run the passenger trains if they were given property tax relief from subsidizing the contruction of new highways that are putting them out of business. It baffles me that teabaggers who are opposed to earmarks and want to cut spending have adopted a platform protecting earmarks for highway spending, as well as recklessly support increased funding for more new roads. that is fiscally irresponsible! If your toll hogs want their roads built, show me the money!
Glad to have helped the July numbers!
Someone should make a note of this to Congress’ GOP members.
People clearly want Amtrak…but Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan say it should be done away with? Perhaps it’s them who we should do away with instead!
And this despite constricted budgets, constricted availability of equipment, cancellations, and various problems encountered while traveling long distances day-to-day.
Congress just doesn’t get it.
And all congress wants to do is fight over the the cost of a cheeseburger!!!
Increased ridership is great, but I never hear about increased revenues. Doesn’t that seem a bit strange? Could that be just one reason why Republicans want to overhaul Amtrak? Sixteen trillion in national debt is fair chunk of change and the beat goes on!
Boardman keeps “missing the train” so to speak by not expanding the long distance train national network and increasing the consists on trains like the Empire Builder since 42% of all passenger miles are on long distance trains. Sleepers are always full and only the good Lord knows for sure how many people are turned away. I’m interested in revenue, not ridership. Let’s get our priorities right…unless you don’t pay income tax.