Rail travel in America has grown remarkably, with passenger numbers breaking records for the ninth straight year in 2012. Per passenger mile, Amtrak generates more revenue than either buses or (also subsidized) commercial airlines, while consuming less than half the energy and generating less than half the pollution. Yet despite the promise of Amtrak as a reliable, affordable, more environmentally friendly method of travel, Amtrak service remains nominal in many states, with many large cities and the entire states of Wyoming and South Dakota lacking service. The price of tickets also makes long distance travel more of a novelty than a practical alternative to driving or flying.
We petition the government to increase subsidies to Amtrak so it can increase routes and lower prices.