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> Amtrak's long distance service is more akin to the Essential Air Service, in that it connects lots of small, otherwise unconnected rural areas and is not expe
by nordsieck 7y ago
> Amtrak's long distance service is more akin to the Essential Air Service, in that it connects lots of small, otherwise unconnected rural areas and is not expected to make a profit.
If that's true, it seems like those communities would be better served by subsidized long distance bus travel instead.
I understand that doesn't make a whit of difference to congress, though.
- mindslight 7y agoIt doesn't sound like you've taken either a train or a bus long distance. Even four hours on a bus can be downright nauseating. Amtrak coach class beats flying for comfort. Never mind the people who have some money, but are adverse to flying, so they book sleeper cabins.
- bobthepanda 7y agoMany of these old railroad routes are not neatly followed with highways, so such a replacement service may take much, much longer.
- maxerickson 7y agoAmtrak does contract with regional bus carriers: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GAOREPORTS-RCED-95-138/html/GAOREPORTS-RCED-95-138.htm https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GAOREPORTS-RCED-95-138/h...