Automobile miles travelled rose 25 percent. Even intercity bus service, Amtrak's downscale counterpart, saw a 7 percent rise in ridership. But intercity rail had fewer riders in 1999 than in 1990. I'd rehearse all the public policy reasons why building rail systems at the turn of the 21st century is silly, but I have found over the years that transit boosters simply don't care. For them, rail is an issue of semi-religious fervor.
People leave when they want to and choose their own path and destination.
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