I seldom fly, my perception is that most people flying are doing so on business not pleasure. The subsidy for air traffic controllers is probably ten times what Amtrak's subsidy is. I have no idea what the subsidy actually is for air travel, but I know that Sacramento airport is preparing to spend $1 billion of local money for an upgrade. One airport = the entire Amtrak operating and capital program for a year.

Is that $40 wasted? To me maybe, but if it keeps airplane parts from falling on my head, I'd say it's a good investment.

All transport is subsidized to some degree. But no one dies when the government spends money for Amtrak.