1. a) Define subsidy.
b) How did a 2008 federal law change federal subsidies for Amtrak train fare?

2. How many states are affected by the 2008 law?

3. What did/will each of the affected states need to decide?

4. a) Why should federal subsidies for Amtrak continue, according to supporters?
b) What reasons do others have for supporting the 2008 law ending federal subsidies for Amtrak train fare?

5. List the states that have over the past few years scaled back/canceled railroad plans and their reasons for doing so.

6. Expanding nationwide passenger train travel was a centerpiece of President Obama's plans to modernize transportation infrastructure.
a) Which do you support:
-modernize transportation infrastructure by expanding nationwide passenger train travel with government subsidies
-subsidizing all passenger trains, or just those between larger cities
-providing federal subsidies only for highways, bridges and air travel
Explain your answer.
b) Is there a limit to the amount the government should give in subsidies for Amtrak travel? Explain your answer.

7. Those who want Amtrak to continue or even expand say the train is more spacious, quieter and cleaner than a bus, or that small towns on the Indianapolis-Chicago train route lack bus service to Chicago.
The Indianapolis to Chicago Hoosier train runs four times per week and takes 5 hours. The Cardinal train that runs from NY to Chicago and goes through Indianapolis runs three times a week. In this case, if the Hoosier train was eliminated, there would still be a train making the trip 3 times per week.
a) Should taxpayers fund $80 per trip for other taxpayers who wish to take the train between Indianapolis and Chicago?
b) If train travel making shorter trips isn't subsidized by the government, it will probably be eliminated. (NOTE: all Amtrak service is subsidized including NY To DC, Boston to NY, etc.) In 2013, is there a need for passenger train service across the U.S? Is there a need for it if the only way it can operate is with government subsidies?