Pets would help Amtrak turn a profit
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The national train system of the United States has not made money in a long time. Sadly, it’s a taxpayer drain, unlike similar systems overseas. Making our trains speedier and more efficient would be nice, and maybe it will happen eventually, but changing Amtrak’s pet policy, which currently keeps cats and dogs (except for service dogs), from riding the train, would be a quicker, more effective way to get more revenue. Pet owners pay to be able to take their dogs and cats on planes, and airlines currently charge what the market will bear. If Amtrak set up a similar fee system then any special charges required for cleaning would pay for itself, sooner rather than later. Pet owning riders and taxpayers would be happy.