With $650 million in debt and 8.5 million riders it just doesn't work. The 8.5 M riders generate $42 Million IF they all pay the max one way rate. The debt payments at 6.5% (a guess on my part) is $42+ Million. That leaves no money for operations, labor, repairs, etc, etc. Sadly most rail systems in this country just never work. Amtrak has lost money every year it has been in operations since the early 1970's (and rates are higher than flying!). Locally they put in a commuter rail last year to run about 35 miles into Nashville. Even with the high gas prices it can't get 50% of the projected ridership. They ae now talking about "giving" it to the local bus service to help offset the losses.