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[quote user="daveklepper"] Again, I would like to make the point I have made several times.  The National Park System does not pay for itself.  And if its cost were divided among just those people who used the park (one year's costs for one year's visitors) the subsidy probably would be quite high.   But we support the system because it brings side benefits.   I believe a national railroad passenger intercity train service does the following. Opens up the country for many disabled and elderly who cannot fly Increase tourism, including tourism by overseas visitors Provides emergency service when planes cannot fly and during national emergencies such as floods. Provides a framework for uniting the regional high speed and commuter services that are absolutely necessary to avoid highway and airport congestion and even grid-lock On a per citizen basis the existing subsidy seems reasonable and not out of line with the benefits the overall nation receives. [/quote] The National Park Service, which last year saw more than 276 million visitors, is not designed to pay for itself.  It is open to all the people.   The park service budget for 2008 is $2.75 billion.  But the net cost to the taxpayer, after subtracting entrance and concessionaire fees, is approximately $1.12 billion, which results in a subsidy of approximately $4.08 per visitor.  This compares to an Amtrak system subsidy of $53.48 per passenger in FY 2007, with a whopping average subsidy of approximately $135 for each long distance rider. Amtrak carried slightly more than 25.5 million passengers in FY 2007. To compare the National Park Service to a transport system is mixing apples and oranges.  The parks are open to and used by a high percentage of Americans.  Amtrak is used by a much smaller percentage of the population that depends on many non-users for its support. Those who argue that trains open up the country for many disabled and elderly who cannot fly, increases tourism, provides emergency services, and provides a framework for uniting the regional high speed and commuter services that are necessary to avoid grid-lock should quantify the value of these features of passenger rail.
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