Concerns and Misinformation Regarding Amtrak and Transportation Subsidies

Item — Box: 51, Folder: 12

Identifier: CAC_CC_109_4_51_12_0043

Staff Only

Letter from Mr. Thompson Regarding The Department of Transportation (DOT) Providing Erroneous information

The author is responding to a letter from Mr. Thompson regarding the Department of Transportation (DOT) providing erroneous information. The author disagrees with Mr. Thompsons claim that the federal government recovers most of the subsidy money put into commercial aviation through ticket sales. They also agree that Amtrak costs too much but argue that this is a problem for everyone and not just a few. The author states that Amtrak was founded in 1971 to take over the nations passenger railway service and was mandated to become profitable again. They argue that Amtrak does save fuel compared to cars and that proposed legislation to cut federal subsidy to Amtrak should be done in a frugal manner. The author believes that passenger service cannot run profitably and compares the subsidies given to rail systems in other countries. They emphasize the need for fair transportation choices and for accurate information to be given to President Reagan. The letter is addressed to several honorable individuals.

Dates

1981

Language of Materials

English

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