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Reubachi t1_j7ztq1g wrote

Reply to comment by UnfairAd7220 in Want passenger rail in Manchester? Make your voice heard by PurpleSubtlePlan

How often does a governing body use this logic? Not often.

Short term you’re right, but rail is orders of magnitude cheaper to maintain once established than even a brand new maintenance free bus fleet.

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UnfairAd7220 t1_j82w5xb wrote

Not a chance. The capital cost on that last study was $200M. Fares wouldn't cover the operating expense and the state would be on the hook for $6M in outright subsidy. That doesn't include debt service.

On that basis, in terms of 'short' or 'long' term, 'cheap' doesn't get anywhere near the conversation.

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