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Re: To Subsidize Or Not To Subsidize
Author: Phoebe Snow's Boyfriend
Date: 09-12-2012 - 19:40
SP5103 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Much of the secondary passenger rail service did
> receive much of its revenue from mail and express
> service, which in effect subsidized regular
> passenger service on that route. Typically, the
> USPS would pay for a certain amont of space on the
> train regardless of whether it was used or not,
> such as 15', 30' or 60' in the case of RPO space.
>
> The Express and mail parcel traffic began shifting
> towards UPS and the like, using the publicly built
> highways was cheaper than rail, and centralizing
> sorting centers when zip codes were introduced
> killed all but the bulk mail service by rail.
>
> The USPS still pays contract truckers to provide
> so much space, regardless if it is used. So many
> of those trucks you see aren't even close to full
> except during the Christmas rush. Yet, the
> truckers are not allowed to subtitute a smaller,
> more cost and fuel efficient truck when the demand
> is not there.
>
> Bottom line - our government is not held
> accountable by the people.
I consider myself pretty well informed on transportation issues, but this is the first I've heard about trucking companies not allowed to substitute smaller trucks when the demand is not there.
I'm not saying you're wrong, but...
Who[i][/i] is not allowing the trucking companies to use smaller trucks
How can the public at large hold the government accountable on this issue when media coverage is lacking on this issue?
Lastly, while I understand your concern, with respect to transportation, there are much more important issues like investing in Amtrak and public transit, rebuilding deteriorated bridges, repaving roads, improving intersections, investing in bicycling and pedestrian facilities and more public discussion of the subsidies lavished on autuomobile & SUV drivers and truckers above and beyong user fees generated through taxes on petroleum products.
Accordingly, if I am not holding the government accountable on the matter you raised it is because there are many other transportation issues (as well as non-transportation issues) of higher priority to me.
-------------------------------------------------------
> Much of the secondary passenger rail service did
> receive much of its revenue from mail and express
> service, which in effect subsidized regular
> passenger service on that route. Typically, the
> USPS would pay for a certain amont of space on the
> train regardless of whether it was used or not,
> such as 15', 30' or 60' in the case of RPO space.
>
> The Express and mail parcel traffic began shifting
> towards UPS and the like, using the publicly built
> highways was cheaper than rail, and centralizing
> sorting centers when zip codes were introduced
> killed all but the bulk mail service by rail.
>
> The USPS still pays contract truckers to provide
> so much space, regardless if it is used. So many
> of those trucks you see aren't even close to full
> except during the Christmas rush. Yet, the
> truckers are not allowed to subtitute a smaller,
> more cost and fuel efficient truck when the demand
> is not there.
>
> Bottom line - our government is not held
> accountable by the people.
I consider myself pretty well informed on transportation issues, but this is the first I've heard about trucking companies not allowed to substitute smaller trucks when the demand is not there.
I'm not saying you're wrong, but...
Who[i][/i] is not allowing the trucking companies to use smaller trucks
How can the public at large hold the government accountable on this issue when media coverage is lacking on this issue?
Lastly, while I understand your concern, with respect to transportation, there are much more important issues like investing in Amtrak and public transit, rebuilding deteriorated bridges, repaving roads, improving intersections, investing in bicycling and pedestrian facilities and more public discussion of the subsidies lavished on autuomobile & SUV drivers and truckers above and beyong user fees generated through taxes on petroleum products.
Accordingly, if I am not holding the government accountable on the matter you raised it is because there are many other transportation issues (as well as non-transportation issues) of higher priority to me.
