On the recordJune 4, 2015
Once again, I stand in trying to help Amtrak to effectively manage its system by taking away those routes that are cost prohibitive. Mr. Chairman, my amendment would eliminate funding for Amtrak's long- distance routes, which have total direct costs that are more than twice the revenue that they generate. Every single long-distance route that Amtrak provides--those of over 400 miles in length--operates at a loss every month. Eleven routes cost double the amount of revenue they create. Oh, by the way, Mr. Chair--and this is true since 1997 when I came to Congress--these routes are ineffective and waste valuable taxpayer money, as well as money that could be used in the system for highly used routes for the safety and security of their passengers on north- south routes. Some argue that many travelers cannot afford to fly and they need a less expensive travel alternative. However, for most of these routes, bus tickets and plane tickets are less expensive, more efficient, and more frequently on time. Combined, these 11 routes cost the American taxpayer about $500 million in fiscal year 2014 alone. Four lines cost over $50 million each. I think it is clear that government-subsidized rail service on Amtrak does not make economic sense if they have enough money to bleed off $500 million with routes that cost twice in expense what they generate in revenue, so I am offering this amendment again.…
