ISSUEAmtrak (the US passenger rail system) is subsidized by taxes because it is considered a crucial element of the nation's passenger transport system.
CONSIDERATIONS
Amtrak's contribution to mobility is negligible.
- Outside the Northeast Corridor (Boston-New York-Washington), Amtrak carries a miniscule share of travel.
- Amtrak could operate without tax subsidy in the Northeast Corridor if it were relieved of inordinate legal burdens placed upon it by the federal government
- In most markets, the taxpayer subsidy alone per rider exceeds the advance purchase air fare in the same market.