Quote:
Originally Posted by ardecila
Not to get too off topic, but many high-speed systems overseas and in the US do objectively turn an operational profit...
Acela made $46.8 million last year, which helped cover the losses incurred by Amtrak's other services. That's because the costs to operate a high-speed train aren't markedly higher than the costs of a slower train, but the demand is much higher because of the faster travel time.
Hell, even the Hiawatha turned a profit - but much smaller at $300,000 for FY2010.
Amtrak FY2010 Performance Report |
Boston to NYC to Philly to DC...I can't imagine why that would turn a profit. That means the entire rest of the system combined to lose money to the tune of what Wikipedia marks out at about $46 million.
Back to the point of emathias' post...exactly why would Florida have wanted a new rail line? From where to where?
Miami to Orlando/Tampa or maybe Jacksonville?
Those cities aren't big enough to support it at that level.