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A couple of points:
If Amtrak got the kind of subsidies the airline industry and the highway system get, you'd see a much different, much more efficient rail system in this country. Passenger rail died in the US because the govt. began building a ton of airports and highways. The railroads couldn't compete and thus began a series of mergers and bankruptcies. It's my feeling that we'll never go back to the "glory days" of rail travel, but there are a number of travel corridors between major US cities where a modern, high-speed, dedicated right-of-way rail system makes much more sense than air travel. Portland to Seattle, for example is one of these. It's a 3 hour drive, downtown to downtown. It's at least that if you fly, including all the down time at the terminal and the up to 30 minute drive in from Sea-Tac. The train stations in both cities, however are right downtown, and a high-speed train, traveling at 150 mph or so, could make the trip in about two hours or less, including a stop or two along the way.
Amtrak has been woefully mismanaged over the years. But the new CEO has been making some positive changes. His first act was to fire 12 vice-presidents and ditched all the limos that we, the people were paying for! But there's a long way to go. It's the only game in town if we want to continue passenger rail in the US.
Both Amtrak and the USPS are distinct govt. corporations. The Postal Service, especially, has been doing rather well over the past several years. They showed a loss this past year, but what corporation hasn't? I don't think they are bailing out Amtrak at the expense of the postal service. What's your proof? The Amtrak bailout request/stamp price increase has no connection, that is evident? How would this happen? Are you claiming that their accounting firm is Arthur Andersen?
Dan
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