Amtrak Turns 40…Called a ‘Massive Failure’ by its Founder

TheBlaze ^ | May 7, 2011 | Mike Opelka

[george76]

This week kicks off the 40th Anniversary of the money-sucking, inefficient, outmoded national rail system we call Amtrak.

Let’s start with money. Amtrak loses bucketloads of money every day. The national rail system operates in the red, generating huge losses and has done so each and every year of its existence. And they are not shy about it.

That’s over $1.2 billion in losses for the most recent year, putting the overall tab for this antiquated, bloated and inefficient system around $50 billion dollars of taxpayer money.

The embarrassment of Amtrak has even struck a chord with someone who rallied for its creation. Anthony Haswell, founder of the National Association of Railroad Passengers and a person widely recognized as the inspiration for Amtrak, is not happy with the current state of the railroad’s affairs.

When the Founding Father of Amtrak calls it a ‘massive failure’ and states that the politicians involved are getting more benefits from it than the passengers and taxpayers, you would hope that someone in the Federal government would respond.

Washington did respond. Their answer to Amtrak’s problems? Spend more money.

[TheOldLady]

Sow the Seeds of Freedom
Support Free Republic

Sponsoring FReepers leapfrog0202 and another person will contribute $10
Each time a new monthly donor signs up!
Get more bang for your buck
Sign up today

Save our sweetie, Lazamataz.

[Ditter]

I drove in Germany. It was the fast drivers that scared me. If you were in the right lane and came up on a slow driver you were taking your life in your hands trying to pass. There would always be someone going 100 MPH in the left lane. Passing was suicide!

[Gamecock]

I cruised the autobahn at 100-110 mph. ;-)

[Ditter]

Ah Ha! So it was YOU who almost ran me down! No wonder you wife didn’t like to ride with you. :D

[KevinDavis]

You do realize the TSA will be at the railroad stations in a matter of time.