The 10 May Erie Times editorial advocates investing in Amtrak.  It should have said MORE investing.  I am sure the Westcott family’s ride to NYC was pleasant and economical as stated.  It was economical because they weren’t charged enough.   Amtrak loses $Billions every year.  The taxpayer makes up the difference.  The main reason Amtrak exists is for the Washington to NY and Boston run.  Another taxpayer subsidized freebie for government employees as well as Bostonians and New Yorkers used to living off the rest of us.  This more of that wealth redistribution thing of which our president is so very fond.
Indeed, the Cato Institute says that it would be cheaper to provide individual commercial plane fare for the outlaying runs.   Read the rest of this entry »