[Huebolt]

Nobody should have to pay $336 million per mile for any railroad at all, even a subway line.

I only meant that a train service should be financed by the people who benefit from it.

A federally funded train is unfair to the other 98% who have to pay but don't ride. AMTRAK is a federal welfare program for the East coast.

[muawiyah]

Highspeed rail does nothing to eliminate the greatest detriment to rapid travel ~ local congestion.

Automation technology currently being developed for cars, trucks and buses will most likely reduce local congestion substantially.

Now, not to defend Amtrak, but the highest costs and lowest income from fares occur everywhere but the East Coast between Boston and Washington.

The subsidy is in "the West" as seen from Hyannis Port.