| NJ5 said: They cover Amtrack's losses, but don't they also cover the highway system's "losses" ? I recall reading that the gas taxes don't manage to pay for all of it, so trains are not the only thing getting subsidized. Of course one can also ask if infrastructure like highways and trains should even try to pay for themselves. Since they benefit everyone in the country by enabling commerce, business, defense etc., there's a good argument to be made that they should be paid by general taxes and not specific taxes for the ones who use it more. |
That is true, but I'd say there's a notable difference. In the case of Amtrack, to ride, you still must pay significant money - yet it still loses tons. In the case of 95% of roads, the cost to drive on the built road are gas taxes, ect. So they may lose money as well (more cost than what is collected in gas tax), but they aren't being paid for twice by the taxpayer.
Back from the dead, I'm afraid.
