On topic, trains are a waste of money, sadly. If they want rail, give tax breaks to companies willing to do it 100% privately. Gov can chip in right of ways if they want certain routes.
Then see if anyone is willing to do it unsubsidized.
Actually, I'd be fine with a subsidy that is similar to highway subsidy. Similar in terms of dollars per seat-mile traveled. Seat miles to be calculated based on fare structures designed to not lose money—no using exaggerated ridership numbers based on ridiculously low fares.
They should scrag any "light rail" projects completely, I'm pretty sure there is not one even close to break even in the US. My state's budget is in deficit to the exact tune of Richardson's "Railrunner." I like the train—cause my 4YO loves it—but it's basically a half-billion dollar "choo choo" ride, and they set the fare to be attractive to unemployed teenagers ($6 to ride all you want all day). Given that the bulk of commuters work for the State (offices in Santa Fe, court houses in ABQ downtown), and they are overpaid, they could pony up "real" commuter fares. The trip is comparable to Metro North, but the fare is absurdly low.
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