Via the Detroit News: Amtrak Backers Worry About Bush Proposal To End Federal Subsidies.

Amtrak supporters in Michigan said Friday they’re concerned about the future of the passenger rail service because of President Bush’s proposal to end federal Amtrak subsidies.

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In his budget released Monday, Bush proposed eliminating Amtrak’s operating subsidy and setting aside $360 million to run trains in the Northeast between Washington and Boston if the railroad ceases operating. Amtrak is getting $1.2 billion this year in operating subsidies and capital investment.

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During the previous budget year, ridership increased on all three of Amtrak’s Michigan routes when compared with fiscal 2003. According to figures from the carrier:

– On the Wolverine trains, the number of passengers climbed 12.2 percent, from 326,367 to 366,291.

– The Blue Water line saw a 16.7 percent increase, from 80,890 to 94,378.

– The Pere Marquette’s ridership went up 19.6 percent, from 73,392 to 87,767.

“Our routes here in Michigan are all up by double digits and we see no leveling off or decline in sight,” said John DeLora, executive director of the Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers.

Read the Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers’ Press Release (Proposed Amtrak Cuts Could Hurt Michigan) concerning the issue.

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