Happening Now
What about those "subsidies?"
July 18, 2012
Written By Malcolm Kenton
The late former President of NARP, John R. (Jack) Martin, penned this analysis of the battle that train advocates have always fought against the notion that passenger trains are "subsidized" while other travel modes are not, or aren't to the same extent for a Trains Magazine feature on Amtrak in the May 1986 issue.
Sadly, his words are just as true today as very little has changed in the overall federal transportation policy picture, though many small steps forward have been taken, particularly within the last five years since the 2008 enactment of the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act. It is up to us to constantly remind those we know just how much public policy and the language used in the popular media is slanted in favor of highways and air travel, and counter this pervasive spin with the facts.
Here's what Martin wrote in 1986:
"When [NARP] comes to Washington, you help embolden us in our efforts to continue the progress for passenger rail. And not just on the Northeast Corridor. All over America! High-speed rail, passenger rail is coming to America, thanks to a lot of your efforts! We’re partners in this. ... You are the ones that are going to make this happen. Do not be dissuaded by the naysayers. There are thousands of people all over America who are for passenger rail and you represent the best of what America is about!"
Secretary Ray LaHood, U.S. Department of Transportation
2012 NARP Spring Council Meeting
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