The House should support enthusiastically a Senate bill that provides Amtrak with more stable funding and seeks to make the passenger rail network more efficient.
The legislation approved by the Senate represents a welcome endorsement of Amtrak's future. Sponsored by Sens. Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J., and Trent Lott, R-Miss., the measure would increase Amtrak funding by 50 percent, totaling $11.4 billion over six years.
Amtrak has never turned a profit, even along the heavily traveled Boston-Washington corridor. But ridership was up 1.5 million in fiscal year 2007 to a record 25.8 million passengers. Gasoline prices at $3 per gallon and frustrations with air travel are two reasons more travelers are riding trains.
Philadelphia Inquirer






