A Couple of Observations (from a Canadian)

[Skyline]

Only 48 million tourists to California??? Chicago alone gets 55 million/year. Add a 20" tax on hotels and rental cars; helps pay our bills, but summers here can be a pain with pedestrian gridlock.

Comparing Amtrak to either VIA or RM isn't much of a comparison considering the price differential. However, it's stupid of Amtrak to remove amenities from the highest paying clients.

If you're quoting seat38a above, he referenced 48.3 million visitors to LA County, not the entire state of California.

 

[ParanoidAndroid]

Only 48 million tourists to California??? Chicago alone gets 55 million/year. Add a 20" tax on hotels and rental cars; helps pay our bills, but summers here can be a pain with pedestrian gridlock.

Comparing Amtrak to either VIA or RM isn't much of a comparison considering the price differential. However, it's stupid of Amtrak to remove amenities from the highest paying clients.

If you're quoting seat38a above, he referenced 48.3 million visitors to LA County, not the entire state of California.

Additionally, Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm are in Orange County! Lots of tourists!

 

[crescent-zephyr]

Also the Anaheim Convention Center, anaheim Angels stadium, etc.

 

[seat38a]

Only 48 million tourists to California??? Chicago alone gets 55 million/year. Add a 20" tax on hotels and rental cars; helps pay our bills, but summers here can be a pain with pedestrian gridlock.

Comparing Amtrak to either VIA or RM isn't much of a comparison considering the price differential. However, it's stupid of Amtrak to remove amenities from the highest paying clients.

"Tax" revenue isn't so clear cut. Between the corporations and government in bed with them, the only ones in the end that actually have to pay are the locals. Disney's been doing this crap for ages and "OUT OF THEIR INFINITE KINDNESS" decided to end their tax incentives recently.

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-disney-tax-agreements-20180822-story.html

Same story with our Amazon Fulfillment centers that were built in the IE after the cities agreed to give back sales tax in the form of rebates.