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If subsidizing Amtrak is elitist, words have lost all meaning.
.
Not necessarily. Studies have shown that Amtrak riders tend to have a higher than average income. The average salary of an on-board Amtrak worker is $41/hr, or $82,000 per year, which is significantly higher than the US average of about $50,000.
Yet each boarding is roughly 50% subsidized by the taxpayer. Hence you are taking money from the poor, to benefit the rich (or at least less poor). Arguably that is a form of elitism.
Roads have rarely been privatized for very good reasons. They have traditionally been termed a 'public good' by economists, i.e. a good for which demand exists, but for which supply is not forthcoming due to transaction costs. Other examples of this are lighthouses and parks.
No such condition applies for mass transit. Would you favor a government owned and operated airline system? Why not? Why busses and trains, but not airlines and taxis?
Saying that there is "no argument here because it is a stupid idea" is an example of the logical fallacy of 'begging the question.' Fallacy: Begging the Question
In essence this fallacy is a matter of assuming that which is to be proven.
Do you understand the importance of public transportation? Taxis are an example of private transportation. So if you want private transportation, take a taxi.
Not necessarily. Studies have shown that Amtrak riders tend to have a higher than average income. The average salary of an on-board Amtrak worker is $41/hr, or $82,000 per year, which is significantly higher than the US average of about $50,000.
Yet each boarding is roughly 50% subsidized by the taxpayer. Hence you are taking money from the poor, to benefit the rich (or at least less poor). Arguably that is a form of elitism.
Would you apply that same logic to justify increasing subsidies to city bus services?
Do you understand the importance of public transportation? Taxis are an example of private transportation. So if you want private transportation, take a taxi.
Public transportation is important, but it doesn't have to be run by the government. In fact, it shouldn't be run by the government.
The gas tax would be enough to cover highway costs if it wasn't robbed for non highway projects.
ok.
that has nothing to do with the mindless rantings from the left, suggesting this train ran off the tracks because republicans cut funding... WHEN AMTRAK LOST A BILLION DOLLARS ON HAMBURGERS!
16 DOLLAR HAMBURGERS
THEY LOST A BILLION DOLLARS SELLING HAMBURGERS FOR 16 DOLLARS!!!
geez im screaming. I need to stop. im sorry. not screaming at you. just in general.
because liberals want to give more money to an org that lost a billion dollars selling hamburgers for 16 dollars....
Public transportation is important, but it doesn't have to be run by the government. In fact, it shouldn't be run by the government.
It's run by government because private transit companies largely went bankrupt or otherwise bowed out of the business. I mean, we already know that private transit fails.
that has nothing to do with the mindless rantings from the left, suggesting this train ran off the tracks because republicans cut funding... WHEN AMTRAK LOST A BILLION DOLLARS ON HAMBURGERS!
16 DOLLAR HAMBURGERS
THEY LOST A BILLION DOLLARS SELLING HAMBURGERS FOR 16 DOLLARS!!!
geez im screaming. I need to stop. im sorry. not screaming at you. just in general.
because liberals want to give more money to an org that lost a billion dollars selling hamburgers for 16 dollars....
Amtrak doesn't pay 16 dollars for hamburgers, that number includes non-food items quoted by dumb Republicans trying to make a point. So maybe read more and scream less.
well I think its utterly premature to talk "public private" or even "fund don't fund"
as it relates to AMTRAC
until such time as we can figure out who lost a billion dollars on 16 dollar hamburgers there really isn't a discussion to be had.
focus people. AMTRAC is bleeding cash. OUR CASH. Ultra-cons Ultra-mods and Ultra-Libs alike are losing our shirts to a train company owned and operated by the US government. and what are we arguing about?
well what we aren't doing is joining together and demanding they account for all our pennies.
Amtrak is more profitable than our ****ing roads. It has a higher farebox recovery rate. Roadways' only saving grace is that our food is transported on them. I have no idea why anyone would suggest that roads are "profitable," let alone more efficient than rail.
Privatize transportation? Heavens no!
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