Busting Some Passenger Rail Myths

By Rail Passengers Staff

We’ve probably heard all the myths about passenger rail.

As the largest passenger rail advocacy organization in the United States, we’ve gone through many myths and reasons why people do not support more rail. Whether it’s conspiracy theories about Amtrak, the paranoia about reducing car dependency, or any other myth, we’ve had to talk to people about it. For those feeling on the fence about passenger rail, here are some of the common myths we hear almost every day, and the truth about each one.

Recently, our Director of Community Engagement Joe Aiello got into a debate on Twitter (X) with people talking about some common passenger rail myths. We’ll show a screenshot of each myth along with the truth.

Myth 1: Trains limit freedom of mobility.

There is no reason that trains limit freedom. Providing more options for transit means that people, regardless of income level, can use different types of transportation to get around. We would argue that provides more freedom because it means we won’t be locked into one option for transportation.

No. See below.

Myth 2: Governments influence car travel far less than train travel.

Ignoring the need for regulation that all kinds of transportation need for safety and equipment condition, there isn’t an argument that the government controls train travel more than cars. We usually hear this one because of the idea that a car is freedom (which is a marketing tactic car companies use to sell you the car). But, how exactly does this argument hold up?

Not well. Cars are regulated by the government in almost every way imaginable. From manufacturing specifications to road construction to speed limits to where highways go, the government touches all parts of transportation, regardless of method.

Never thought we’d be called “big transit” when the car lobby exists.

Myth 3: If we invest more in public transit, cars will become illegal.

Really? Okay, no one is coming to make cars illegal. We see this one a lot when there’s news about EVs or increased fuel taxes. Simply put, no one wants to make cars illegal. However, we don’t want them to be the only transportation option. And we can make the argument that this is a benefit to car owners. When you have more options, fewer people drive for daily commutes, long road trips, or errands. This means fewer cars on the road, less wear and tear on roads, and fewer accidents.

Multi-modal transportation will help car owners because those who want to drive regardless will not have to sit in bumper-to-bumper traffic anywhere they go. Even though cars are a less efficient mode of travel, it doesn’t mean they do not have their place. Cars might be used when moving long distances, or transporting large furniture. It can also help disabled people who need para transit to get where they need to go.

Boondoggle? Really? Also, the U.S. spent $206 billion on highways last year, a $103 million increase over 4 decades.

Myth 4: There is no cost benefit to passenger rail.

Simply put, check out our reports if you think there aren’t any economic benefits to passenger rail. But, this one is an interesting argument against passenger rail because the cost-benefit isn’t about the train itself, it’s who uses it. Trains provide economic benefits through job creation, infrastructure development, increased tourism, and more mobility.

When people have an easier time going from points A to Z, more people will travel. With them comes their money, spent at hotels, local businesses, and services in other communities. That money goes right into local pockets, and the tax revenue benefits the municipalities to provide more services and maintain their infrastructure. In some cases, this benefit can be $200 returned to a community for every $1 spent on passenger rail (such as in Meridian, Mississippi).

So there you have it. Some of our favorite passenger rail myths and the reasons why they’re just that – myths. If you want to join our advocacy platform to combat these myths, we are going to be in Tucson, Arizona for RailNation this fall from November 1st to 3rd. To learn more about the event and register virtually or in person, click here.