[cicero2k]

The Laffer Curve in action-—DC Metro hiked fare rates by over 20% this summer, fully expecting ridership to remain stable or actually increase. Now, their short sightedness is biting them square in the butt, with a LOT more auto traffic on the major highway arteries around DC and reduced ridership on the trains and buses.

Then they want to expand with a mind blowing costly high speed rail system. They have it in Europe and often (but not always) it is cheaper to rent a car or fly Ryan Air to your destination.

[DeFault User]

They have it in Europe and often (but not always) it is cheaper to rent a car or fly Ryan Air to your destination.

I found this out 6 years ago when my wife and her sister were doing a European tour. They extended their stay and wanted me to book them from Paris to Madrid. I tried all the train deals online and was shocked at the pricing compared to earlier trips we had made. Using a European travel site, I booked an Argentine airline for the flight, about half the cost of the train. Using the European online travel services also saved money on the hotel. Some of the flights and hotels were not available on English language services, but a Euro is the same in English or Spanish.