Eliminate Federal Subsidies for Amtrak 1-Year Savings: $2.5 billion 5-Year Savings: $12.3 billion Since Amtrak was created in 1971, it has cost taxpayers more than $40 billion. The railroad was supposed to earn a profit but has continuously failed to do so. In some cases, it is less expensive to use other forms of transportation. Citizens Against Government Waste: The Prime Cut Series (#4)