Subsidy Cuts Could Boost Amtrak

Ending subsidies, often perceived as a lifeline for Amtrak, might paradoxically usher in a new era for U.S. rail travelers. Presently, subsidies ensure Amtrak’s survival by keeping underused routes running, but they also prevent necessary innovation and investment. Without external financial support, market forces might compel Amtrak to improve services to attract passengers, making trains a more viable alternative to other modes of transportation. Imagine a world where rail travel competes on quality rather than just frequency, liberating us from the insipid cycle of mediocrity perpetuated by government intervention.