Title: AMTRAK AT TWENTY-FIVE. END OF THE LINE FOR TAXPAYER SUBSIDIES
Abstract: Amtrak celebrated its silver anniversary in 1996. This study argues that, as Amtrak appears no closer to financial independence than 25 years and $13 billion of federal subsidies later, virtually every previously stated justification for continued subsidies is based on myth, not reality. The paper considers two alleged justifications for taxpayer subsidies: market failure and social equity; and believes that Amtrak fails on both counts. The paper strongly argues that Amtrak can be profitable but only if Congress puts it back on track by weaning the railroad from federal subsidies, and the most promising alternative recommended is privatization.
Publication Year: 1996
Publication Date: 1996-12-19
Language: en
Type: article
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