Who wants to spend 4+ DAYS crossing the country when it can be done in 5 hours?
Because commuters bring tax revenue into the metro areas and, historically, have kept office space occupied.
The Boston-DC line is popular.
Another welfare problem/program.
My sister in law took her family from the east coast to Ohio via Amtrak in the summer. Thought it would provide the kids with a memorable experience. Well, it was. The air conditioning was out and there were delays.
Amtrak has never made a profit, but the Boston to DC northeast corridor does. The long routes that lose money like crazy (e.g New Orleans to LA) have political backing from old tourists to labor unions.
I heard that it’s a make-work project for a certain minority group.
We considered taking an Amtrak trip until we read reviews. The people running the show onboard are “that minority”, and they treated the white passengers terribly. Made them give up their good seats to “that minority” people who wanted them. Forced them off the train for no reason at desolate stops. No way.
I still like the Alaska Railroad, fwiw.
Indeed when the government funding stops it dies.