Steve GannHIgh Speed Rail In The U.S.
May 31st 2009 05:58
Its clear that high speed rail has been a success in both China and Europe, but would it work in a country where Americans value both their automobile and privacy?
I for one love train travel. I take Amtrak every chance I get because I love the feeling of lying in a sleeper car and seeing parts of the country that can't be seen from the sky or the interstate. I also enjoy sitting in the club car and meeting fellow travelers. Its unfortunate that many people today seem reluctant to take the time to talk with their fellow travelers. I think they are missing out on some wonderful stories and possibly some lifelong friendships.
The problem with Amtrak is that they don't own the rails and therefore have a woeful on time record. They also lose money each year and would probably not exist without government support.
I think the idea of high speed travel would definitely work in the NE corridor and possibly the Pacific NW. Other parts of the country seem a little too spread out for any service to be self supporting.
We'll just have to see what Sec. LaHood has to say after his Spain trip. My hunch tells me that after a week of sightseeing that beautiful country by rail will inspire him to move forward with Obama's wish here.
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