Originally Posted by
MikeyinBrooklyn
See, this is problematic. When skeptics of Anything-Other-Than-Roads start using such vague definitions, achieving anything becomes an impossible dream. How did you decide, for example, that a Grand Rapids-Lansing-Detroit train is worthwhile, presumably much more so than a Detroit-Ann Arbor train? What do you consider "fast", "frequent", and "reasonably priced"? What do you consider a "low" operating subsidy? And why the "subsidy per passenger" metric--when was the last time MDOT calculated subsidy-per-new-driver on one of their gold-plated highway projects?
On the first question, I would answer by saying Det-Lans-GR is a good idea because it links the state's two largest [[by far) cities, through the state capital/home of the state's largest university. One can imagine a lot of people having use for service on that route. Additionally, each of those three cities has substantial existing transit operations that can be tied into the rail stations. The other questions you posed are legitimate and need to be studied and answered before going forward with something like this.
As for our "gold-plated highway projects", I honestly have NO IDEA what you could be referring to. By nearly all accounts, we have not exactly spent even an adequate amount of money on roads. Also, please recognize that my skepticism of spending on transit is not unique to transit: I am skeptical of all spending. I do not advocate massive spending of any kind. I think legislators should make sure every project is: A) worth taking people's hard earned money to build; B) planned in the most modest way practical to reduce the cost to taxpayers; C) designed with long-term use and ongoing financial obligations in mind; and D) done honestly, transparently, and efficiently. I favor that for ALL spending, not just transit projects. Lacking skepticism about public spending leads to things such as Detroit declaring bankruptcy. Points A,B,C and D were not followed by any council or administration in the last half century.
And if Amtrak doesn't operate any of the proposed routes, who do you suggest? There isn't ANYONE else in the State of Michigan with experience in passenger rail operations.
Amtrak does not have a good track record in terms of either operations or finances. It is also constantly under fluctuating mandates and rules issued by Congress. I am not sure who would run it; I would be open to putting out the operations of the railroad to bid. If no qualified bidders stepped forward, then perhaps a reconsideration would be necessary. I am in the restaurant business. I have had to hire chefs, and I have had to fire them. When I am hiring, I may not know who will work out in the position; but I am certain that I am not going to hire someone I have had to fire previously for ineptitude.