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happyslug

(14,779 posts)
6. The article says that rail corridor is profitable
Fri Oct 4, 2013, 02:29 PM
Oct 2013

How is the gap filled? If you guessed government subsidies, you are right, with two exceptions: the Boston-New York City and Washington, D.C.-Lynchburg, VA stretches of eastern corridor service. These latter routes actually make enough revenue to more than pay for themselves. The analysts note that a few other routes pay for their operating costs, but fall short when capital costs are included.

The site does its best to muddle the picture, NYC to Washington does not make money?? But the Boston to NYC city AND DC to Lynchburg Va do???

Then you realize there are doing they best to minimize rail. Since New Jersey does SOME subsidy of its own rail system, that also "subsidizes" Amtrak in the same area. i.e. Amtack's stop in Jersey are subsidized becasue Jersey subsidizes its own rail system (as it does its bus system).

That New Jersey subsidy extends to Trains not only to NYC but to Philadephia. Pennsylvania provides SOME subsidy between Harrisburg and Philadephia so they can have 8-10 trains between those two cities, but like New Jersey's very minimal, less then what Pennsylvania gives to provide Bus Service in Pennsylvania.

I am less familar with Maryland, but the big line is between Philadelphia via Baltimore to DC NOT DC to Lynchburg VA.

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Latest Discussions»Issue Forums»Public Transportation and Smart Growth»Seriously, Get on the Bus...»Reply #6