As I continue to read about the pro's and con's of Amtrak the one thing nobody seems to care about is how much waste there is in Amtrak (and in the federal government as a whole.)
If Amtrak had to rise or fall as the airlines have had to do then it would either be a lean clean machine or else it would be history. Amtrak will NEVER be a winner and that fact will never change. I feel sorry for the .01% that can't fly either from fear or physical reasons.
I am not standing up for the airlines because bag fee's and the TSA has damaged air travel beyond repair and that is something that will never change either. Travel by automobile, train, bus, or airline are our choices. All are good in certain cases and all have serious drawbacks. All travelers can do is study the options and make the best use of whats available and what fit's their pocketbook. The majority of the nation doesn't have Amtrak as an option but all those who actually pay federal taxes help support Drew's ride. There needs to be balance but Amtrak is not in danger of going away. There is enough of a balance in Washington to keep the worst and the best and this balance causes the deficit to grow and grow but payday for Amtrak and every other government program and our nation as a whole is coming.
Flame Away!