Isn't it funny whenever the discussion of expanded rail passenger service is brought up that the politicians are jumping at the chance to bring "Public Subsidy" into the conversation yet, these same people who have districts where there are any major highways or airports in them at the same time go out of their way to NOT use that same expression?
Why is this? Because if the general public had any idea how much it costs the taxpayers for every person that steps into an airliner, they would be screaming at their representatives who voted for the subsidies. The same goes for highway subsidy.
Many years ago, I was watching a live session of congress who were in the process of voting for transportation funds for highway, air travel and passenger rail. Mind you it was several years ago so, the amounts I witnessed would be blown out of the water by today's numbers.
Not an eye was batted when 64 BILLION dollars was allocated for the next 5 years of highway subsidy.
Right afterward, the same reaction occurred when 53 BILLION was allocated for air travel but this would only cover 4 YEARS!
Finally, the discussion moved on the rail travel. The allocation of 1.3 BILLION for only 2 years sparked more debate and concern over public subsidy that one would think they were in the process of writing the Constitution!
Lets take a look at where our tax dollars are going. You see signs on the back of trailer trucks reading "This truck pays 10% of highway taxes". It sure sounds good, and is most likely true. However, trucks do about 90% of the damage caused to highways. Care to guess who picks up the rest of the tab?
How about airlines? Do you think that they pay the salaries of all the state and federal workers along with the costs of all the materials and specialized equipment needed to operate the airports where their planes land? Again, guess who picks up this tab!
I know I'm a little off topic here regarding the New Hampshire commuter rail project and, I offer my apologies to the moderators but, now and then a little reality is a good thing. Off of my soapbox now.
RAILROADS: AMERICA'S MOST IMPORTANT TOOL FOR ENERGY CONSERVATION. REMIND YOUR POLITICIANS HOW YOU WANT YOUR TAX DOLLARS SPENT.