High-Speed Rail a hot topic

This morning, National Journal's transportation blog asks, "Is high-speed rail worth it?" I've already responded, and others will weigh in. It's an important question to pose, and this administration will take all responses seriously. Mike Aldax reports in today's San Francisco Examiner that "Respondents to survey favor high-speed rail instead of air travel,"  and the Hartford Courant gives our plan its support today as well. It's not just the media; supply-chain experts and transportation planners are offering their support as well as some practical advice.

Comments

[Greg]

I would just like to say that high-speed rail systems would benefit this country greatly! To bring in new jobs that would create this enhancement to an already existing infrastructure is a welcome change in my eyes. To have an actual high-speed commuter rail instead of the Acela which is laughably faster than the regular train at twice the price, would revive some of America's respect for the railway system. New and modern transportation would be in place to change Americans' thinking that rails are an archaic method of transportation. It is way past time to bring our rails to the new millennium. I know that I would take the fast rail to New York pretty often if it wasn't too expensive. I guess the only thing that I would like to see is a genuinely high-speed train that can run on a regular schedule without too much cost per ticket. Money to effectively run the system could be made up with higher ticket sales and on board Internet (just an idea). Also, America could have a new transportation gimmick to be proud of!

[M.A.]

I think high-speed rail is worth it. Like Obama said, connecting nearby regions with high-speed rail will save money, save time, and save on gas, to produce energy independence. I agree with Greg’s comment, it would also create jobs and be something that America can be proud of. My hope is that it would also lower the cost of travel by competing with the airlines. However, I am concerned with the price of a high-speed rail system and I would like to make sure that it really is a high-speed rail and not a “moderate-speed rail".

[Tup]

Secretary LaHood:

I applaud you and the administration for finally funding something that resembles the first step towards high speed rail. But I think a much bolder step needs to be taken.

Just like the Federal Highway Act half a century ago, we really need a large, all-encompassing investment in passenger rail, not the bits and pieces that we appear to have coming. After President Obama is out of office (which will eventually happen) who knows how much support the next President, or the president after him, will have for building or keeping up the system?

A very large investment that builds a safe and fast rail system should be taken now so that many Americans will see its benefits, hence helping it obtain bipartisan support in the future. In this way we will most likely procure passenger rail's ample funding for years to come, as opposed to being viewed as "pork" as it is now by some in Washington and elsewhere.

[Allan Thomas]

Secretary LaHood:

I applaud all efforts for studies an inplemetation of HSR for America's future.One that builds upon the present infrastructure.

However, what is more important to me, as a senior citizen, is a national passenger railroad system that provides national connectivity;
i.e., the reinstatement of service east of New Orleans on America's only Coast to Coast Amtrak route, the Sunset Limited.
"From Disneyland to Disneyworld"