 |
Re: reality check
Author: Erik H.
Date: 12-02-2012 - 18:52
Severe Duty Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I'd like to see per capita tia subsidies if we're
> going to subsidize anything at all.
A few years ago I did a comparison of federal subsidies per passenger mile.
Roads came in at about a penny per mile. That assumed that passengers in private automobiles covered the entire cost of the highway system, and that buses and trucks "got a free ride".
Aviation was just slightly higher than that; however it assumed that commercial air passengers had to cover the entire cost of the aviation system - with general aviation and cargo "getting a free ride".
Amtrak, by itself, cost around 40 cents per passenger mile. That was Amtrak's costs only (Amtrak's annual federal subsidy divided by ridership). Of course Amtrak doesn't cover its cost of capital, or the cost of maintaining tracks outside of the NEC.)
My suggestion:
The NEC due to its large amount of traffic should be considered part of the National Highway System.
The corridors should be fully state funded/operated; Amtrak should not be permitted to lose money operating a corridor that isn't part of the national system. (Frankly, the federal government shouldn't be involved in local matters and that specifically includes public transit. It encourages transit agencies to focus on building capital-intensive rail projects rather than what is sustainable and affordable.)
The long distance trains should only be funded as part of a "basic service" program that is not specific to rail, and only subsidizes coach service. (Thus, Greyhound could apply and receive subsidies as well, and this would also include what is absolutely "essential" from the Essential Air Service program.) Dining cars and sleeping cars would be operated separately and receive zero subsidy - the "Amtrak" federal funding program would provide for only one locomotive and up to three Superliner or five Amfleet coaches per train. If the addition of sleeper/dining cars requires additional locomotives, those car operators will have to pay for the locomotive.
Rationale: The federal government does not subsidize restaurants and hotels for any other mode of transport. Even within the National Park Service, the NPS owned hotels are operated by private companies, expected to earn a profit AND pay the Treasury back rent, and do not receive any federal subsidy...
-------------------------------------------------------
> I'd like to see per capita tia subsidies if we're
> going to subsidize anything at all.
A few years ago I did a comparison of federal subsidies per passenger mile.
Roads came in at about a penny per mile. That assumed that passengers in private automobiles covered the entire cost of the highway system, and that buses and trucks "got a free ride".
Aviation was just slightly higher than that; however it assumed that commercial air passengers had to cover the entire cost of the aviation system - with general aviation and cargo "getting a free ride".
Amtrak, by itself, cost around 40 cents per passenger mile. That was Amtrak's costs only (Amtrak's annual federal subsidy divided by ridership). Of course Amtrak doesn't cover its cost of capital, or the cost of maintaining tracks outside of the NEC.)
My suggestion:
The NEC due to its large amount of traffic should be considered part of the National Highway System.
The corridors should be fully state funded/operated; Amtrak should not be permitted to lose money operating a corridor that isn't part of the national system. (Frankly, the federal government shouldn't be involved in local matters and that specifically includes public transit. It encourages transit agencies to focus on building capital-intensive rail projects rather than what is sustainable and affordable.)
The long distance trains should only be funded as part of a "basic service" program that is not specific to rail, and only subsidizes coach service. (Thus, Greyhound could apply and receive subsidies as well, and this would also include what is absolutely "essential" from the Essential Air Service program.) Dining cars and sleeping cars would be operated separately and receive zero subsidy - the "Amtrak" federal funding program would provide for only one locomotive and up to three Superliner or five Amfleet coaches per train. If the addition of sleeper/dining cars requires additional locomotives, those car operators will have to pay for the locomotive.
Rationale: The federal government does not subsidize restaurants and hotels for any other mode of transport. Even within the National Park Service, the NPS owned hotels are operated by private companies, expected to earn a profit AND pay the Treasury back rent, and do not receive any federal subsidy...
