Amtrak to Double Losses in Wisconsin

Amtrak is notorious for losing money every year.  That's why they suck money from taxpayers--they can't actually earn it by managing costs while providing something of value.  Yes, Tommy Thompson loves Amtrak.

So what's the next move?  

DOUBLE the losses in Wisconsin, silly!!

A second daily round-trip passenger train on the Twin Cities-Milwaukee-Chicago rail corridor could be added in the coming years, and members of the public have an April 9 deadline to weigh in....

...Construction is expected to start in 2023 or 2024, with train service beginning about two years after construction begins, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Office of Public Affairs....

...The project is in the final phase of environmental documentation, the office said. Once that is finalized, likely this year, the plan would move forward with final design and construction, pending funding availability.

The service would follow Amtrak's existing Empire Builder train route and complement the existing schedule...

The "reporter" who copied the press release here didn't mention anything about "ridership" on the current line--which is about 350 people per train per day.  Not many, is it?

So.  Amtrak will DOUBLE the number of train-trips and build an entirely new rail-line for...what?  Maybe 400 passengers per trip?

No.  They have more important reasons!!

...The $53 million project is aimed at improving mobility and reliability of travel options between the hubs, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. It also would further connect rural communities where travel options are limited without a car....

They put that stuff out there and expect you to believe what they said.  In WHICH "rural communities" are people without a car?  The ones where people only have trucks?  Bicycles?  Scooters?  Tractors?

C'mon, maaaaaaaaaan!!  It's a fricking boondoggle.  Just admit it.