1. SP Cascade in 1960's: my father and I rode 11/12 a number of times back then and gained the consistent impression SP was doing everything it could to discourage patronage. Diner was usually off, replaced by food machine equipment that didn't work a lot of the time. Train crews were surly. Train was usually late. Equipment was dirty. Portland-Oakland trip was no picnic (except for those lovely PAs).

2. Airport tax subsidies: I see a lot of FAA grants going to airports. FAA is tax-supported. So airports don't operate entirely off of earned revenue.

3. Transportation systems are generally a socialized cost under most governments, e.g., paid in large part by tax revenue because they are considered a social good. I think this country keeps getting confused about railroads because of the predominant private ownership here, as opposed to many other countries.