Amtrak Woes

In Consumer Report on April 30, there’s a statement that hits the nail right on the head, as it refers to the “certain irony” of subsidizing Amtrak with gasoline tax, particularly since it first mentions the great need to upgrade highways, local roads and bridges. I am certainly not in favor of siphoning off gasoline taxes, which should be spent on roads and bridges, to support an antiquated train system. Obviously, Americans wish to travel by car and airplane, and it is the function of the government to provide the necessary facilities with the taxes they collect from those who drive and fly.

PETER J. VAN OVERBEEK

Glendale