In ”Magnetic Highways,” the statement that ”Americans don`t travel on trains” deserves elucidation.
If Americans don`t travel on trains, it`s no wonder. Their tax dollars have already been invested to a disproportionate extent into airports and highways. According to the Congressional Budget Office, airline tickets would be twice their current price if it weren`t for government subsidies.
Amtrak doesn`t stand a fair chance against the airlines. Considering this, Amtrak should be commended for the great job it does in spite of the government`s penchant to drive Amtrak into the ground.
Before the train ever leaves the station, the airlines definitely have the competitive edge, and the taxpayers are not only footing the bill, we are suffering the noise, withstanding the pollution and enduring the congestion that airports create.
Although oil conglomerates and aviation interests have been holding on to Washington`s purse strings, transportation experts are rallying behind rail, and hope is on the horizon. The Clinton/Gore platform includes enthusiastic endorsement of high-speed rail because it is energy-efficient, environmentally benign, impervious to inclement weather and the safest high-tech travel in existence.
