this was supposed to be temporary 40 years ago. The ticket prices are ridiculous. They are just a fraction of what other transportation costs.
No argument from me on those points. I remember when Amtrak first took over, though I don't particularly remember whether it had a mandate to be profitable in a certain amount of time. I'm not an accountant, but I have a feeling that running the numbers would prove that Amtrak could never be profitable (unless perhaps it was de unionized). Therefore, that fact should be recognized and a decision made to either bear with it or end it. Looks like we're heading toward the ending it solution, but by piecemeal.
I love trains and will regret greatly the ending of the intercity overnighters, if that happens, but will not exactly mourn Amtrak.