The Amtrack Vermonter arrives at the Northampton train platform in the first full time run on Dec. 29, 2014. ( JOHN SUCHOCKI / THE REPUBLICAN )

There has been public discussion and related transportation studies around the issue of expanded subsidized rail studies, between Springfield and Boston and Springfield north along the so-called knowledge corridor. Much of the discussion and studies are misleading and inaccurate, and ignores the role intercity bus service plays in serving our region.

Many advocates of expanded rail service between Springfield and Boston cite the need for access to employment and economic development, yet never mention the significant capital and ongoing operating subsidies needed for this service ... when existing intercity bus service is faster, cheaper, and unsubsidized by taxpayer funding.

The relocation of the 'knowledge corridor' trains at the beginning of this year yielded 4,000 additional train customers, but 3,900 of these passengers came from existing unsubsidized bus service. The reconstruction of this rail corridor cost over $100 million for a handful of additional passengers. Some points to consider:

• Every train passenger is greatly subsidized ... current train passengers on the route from Springfield to Vermont are subsidized at $54/person. Bus service is private enterprise that operates without subsidies, and provides hundreds of local jobs for drivers, mechanics, dispatchers, and others, contributing positively to the economy of our region. Taxpayer-subsidized service would inevitably eliminate these jobs.
• Many bus schedules are express or make only one or two stops. The current MBTA commuter rail service between Worcester and Boston has 17 stops enroute, and extending this to Springfield would add even more stops. The much touted non-stop 'bullet train' to be added to the Worcester line would average only 45 MPH.
• The current bus service is reservation-based, and flexible enough that if a bus fills up, another bus is added on the schedule.

Spending taxpayer funds on a train service that is slower and with greater diesel emissions, makes little sense.

Peter A. Picknelly, Chairman/CEO, Peter Pan Bus Lines, Inc., Springfield