Once again the states talking about spending a bunch of money on something few people want, is of limited benefit to anyone, and we can hardly afford. This time its $17.5MM on new trains for the already heavily subsidized and under utilized Amtrak Vermonter route. Ever wonder why they call trains alternative transportation? Its because trains are alternative to the way people want to travel. Kind of like alternative medicine being alternative to what works.
The Amtrak Vermonter route is already costing Vermont $4MM annually and costs are expected to increase to $6MM not included the cost of the new trains. And what are we getting for our money - an inconsequential contribution to our total transportation needs. Why are we considering more subsidies when none of the arguments for the service hold up to scrutiny?
Is it because trains are cleaner? Perhaps. Wikipedia claims they're nearly 1200 BTUs cleaner per passenger mile than cars. Of course, at a net loss of $0.19 per passenger mile you could probably burn the money itself and make more than 1200 BTU. To help put into perspective what 1200 BTU amounts to, a barrel of oil has 5.8 million BTU. Furthermore, according to EcoWorld, it takes 12,000 BTU for each dollar produced in the US GNP, (id). So this means $0.19 is equivalent to 2280 BTU. Thus, the net energy efficiency of driving is in fact lower than the subsidized Vermonter train by 1080 BTU per passenger mile.
Are trains cheaper? I suppose if your talking about about your own money. A $94 one-way Amtrak ticket to Washington from Burlington is cheaper than flying. But, if you include the nearly 50% rate subsidy it bumps the true cost considerably. And let's not argue about which mode is subsidized more. Auto fuel tax directly supports roads based on usage and airlines directly charge passengers for the federal taxes due. Thus, these modes are user subsidized. Only rail is paid for without regard to who uses it.
So, if its not about the environment and its not about the money, then what's behind the continuing push for Amtrak service? Just kidding, it's always about the money. It's about how much money can they get, who gets to spend it, and for whose benefit. It's almost never about who earned the money and what they would like to do with it.
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