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Re: (erielack) Pocono Line (formerly Environmental Assessment for Lackawanna Cutoff)
I don't want to play devil's advocate here, but I'd like to see some figures
for actual (bus) and projected (rail) subsidized cost, per passenger per mile
of bus vs. rail from Scranton to NYC/Hoboken. I'm having a hard time believing
the subsidy per bus passenger or even car passenger would be more than a tiny
percentage of that of a rail passenger even with the most liberalized
analysis that wasn't untruthful. Even over 30 years of ammortization.
I love trains, but they are very expensive and when you are further than 20 or
so miles from the population center only a very tiny minority benefits from
them.
In small socialist countries where trains are the default mode of
transportation it works out much better. We're a big socialist country and
the numbers don't work as well here.
Also, using the rationale of lots of money being wasted on stupid things is a
lousy justification.
It seems to me that the emotional aspect of this discussion makes it even
harder to get to the nitty gritty of economic justification.
Henry
On Sat, 20 Jun 2009 Njricky2_@_aol.com wrote:
> A common thread appears here. We see words such as "economic sense",
> "profit", rail welfare", etc. We the taxpayers already pay for the freeways, the
> airports, the bus terminals. Where is the economic sense and profit there?
> Sure sounds like welfare transport to me.
>
> It's proven that rail is the most effective from of transportation, be it
> passenger or freight. Rail keeps things green, cost effective in terms of
> fuel use and is the one form of transportation where delays are few. While
> delays happen, they are few and far between when compared to roads and airports.
> Rail also has the opportunity to expand the roadbeds without destroying the
> land. It doesn't take much room to double track a line. But it takes much
> more room to add freeway lanes.
>
> What is lacking in this scenario is competition and the freedom to choose.
> When there is only one way to go, the fare rates are set and there is no
> choice. "It's MY way or MY highway", aka Martz. It's just a matter of time
> before we commuters and weekenders will have a choice.
>
> We also see us thinking in past or present terms, rather than looking to
> future demands. We must rid ourselves of the 50s-60s mentality that told us
> that rails are no longer of use, no longer in our interest.
>
> We must get rid of the old mentality that says everything has to make a
> buck. We have a responsibility to provide efficient and affordable
> transportation for us.
>
> The Pocono Line, as I'll call it, is an unused asset. It has everything to
> offer and won't replace what exists. It will add another way of travel for
> commuters and weekenders that is needed and will be used.
>
> It's time to let go of the old school thinking and look to the future. In
> the past, they said, "Build it and they will come". On that, I trust those
> who came before us even if times have changed. It's just reality.
>
> Reinstatement of service offers something more. It's not just about
> NYC-Scranton, It's also about putting Amtrak on the Pocono Line, connecting
> Scranton, Binghamton and north as DL&W did.
>
> NJT will operate commuter service and if they're smart will offer ski train
> service. Amtrak can offer intercity service. The line will become alive and
> offer the potential for business investment that translates into jobs. It's
> a good move that makes "economic sense", brings about "profit" for
> investors and provides service for people and business.
>
> Rick
>
>
>
>
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