|
Subsidy Before reading the following article, keep in mind that the government cost to run the air transportation system is about $10 billion per year. Divided by the number of air travelers, that comes to a subsidy of about $20 per passenger. That is more than the average government subsidy provided per Amtrak rider ($16.38). So why isn't anyone calling for the government to stop air travel subsidies or to shut down the airports? How much did you have to pay at the toll booth the last time that you traveled on an interstate highway? If you didn't pay anything, then you should realize that the entire cost of the building and maintenance of the road is subsidized by the government! I wonder what that comes out to be per rider? How about walking or riding a bike? Does anyone collect a toll from you for the use of the sidewalk or for the bicycle lane, or the new dedicated bicycle and walking paths that are growing in popularity? Some of these new trails have even been converted from old railroad routes and have been paved and are being maintained at government expense. Another transportation mode that is 100% government subsidized! Have you ever taken a ferry? Do have any idea of the annual cost for dredging and the operation of locks and bridges? That doesn't even take into consideration the cost of the Coast Guard, Harbor Patrol, and the operation of affiliated weather and navigation support services. Yet, people expect Amtrak to pay its own way and operate without government subsidies. Amtrak is the least subsidized of all transportation methods. But, we continually see new attacks on Amtrak as demonstrated in the following article: The train is leaving the depot: Amtrak is running out of time and money
Before you think you see flaws in my rebuttle, please be sure to
click here to read |
