When the Missouri legislature convenes in January, it's all but certain the lawmakers will once against address the financial plight of the Amtrak service in Missouri. And it's equally as likely that the twice-daily service between St. Louis and Kansas City will once against seek tax dollars to support the deficit-ridden rail service.
I'm not an opponent of Amtrak. I just believe the service should attempt to pay for itself and not ask outstate taxpayers to fund their losses. Were Sikeston located along the Amtrak line, I'm sure my position would be different. But since I assume few if any Sikeston residents make use of the daily rail service, I'm at a loss to justify why we should fund the passenger line.
For starters, we taxpayers already provide $6.2 million to fund Amtrak today. One suggestion being discussed would increase motor vehicle registration fees by a small amount to generate another $1 million in Amtrak subsidies. Well that seems wrong to me and unfair to taxpayers who don't want nor need the service.
Now granted, the state also subsidizes ports along the Mississippi and that is of little benefit to those communities not along the river. But that is an issue of commerce. Subsidized transportation to move goods and services ultimately could save money for all Missourians. Amtrak, on the other hand, is a passenger service. And thus our tax support should be examined in a different light.
Here's what I believe. Raise the ticket price for Amtrak customers to fund the shortfall. If there is insufficient passenger support, then perhaps the twice-daily trips are not justified. Ask communities along the rail route to fund more since they are a primary beneficiary of the rail service as well.
The strong lobby from St. Louis and Kansas City has been able to maintain state tax support for Amtrak and that will probably continue. But each year the state is asked for more money to support the rail service. I doubt that trend will change this year.
Pay attention during the upcoming legislative session and listen carefully to the financial pleas from Amtrak. Just remember that you'll eventually be asked to fund this service. Then ask yourself what benefit you receive from the Amtrak service. That answer should dictate your position on future funding.