Train travel gains traction in U.S.

Looks like trains could make a big comeback, according to this Associated Press report.  It’s a long article covering the different ways rail transit might be boosted in the United States in the future.  Some of the highlights:

–California is proposing a high-speed rail system to connect San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego and other cities.

–State governments in the Midwest are going to try to link those states’ major cities into a regional train network.

–Congress passed legislation to grant Amtrak, the nation’s railway, US$13 billion over five years.

The California High Speed Rail Authority website has a cool video titled “High Speed Rail Around the World,” which gives a brief overview of how different countries developed their rail systems. As someone commented in a previous Vagablogging post (“Towards a better American rail network”), I wonder if it would be effective to let foreign companies like the French and Japanese build high speed trains in America?  They already have proven track records.

There are big obstacles, though. Most public transportation projects like these can’t support themselves on fares alone, and require massive government investment. It’ll be hard to muster enough political support for big spending in a time of economic crisis like now. Also expect intense opposition from car manufacturers, airlines and bus companies that will feel threatened by expanded rail networks.  

There are huge potential economic benefits. Being able to move people and goods more quickly would boost productivity. From an urban planning perspective, high speed rail could reverse suburban sprawl, and draw people back to the cities. Property development would cluster around rail stations, creating dense commercial and residential areas that would revitalize city centers.

I’m a big fan of efficient public transportation, so this is exciting news.  Europe and much of East Asia are well-connected by trains, which makes travel convenient and fun. Trains are also better for the environment than planes and cars, as well as less accident-prone. With airport security making air travel more and more unpleasant, it’ll be great to have a viable alternative.

Proposed design for California high speed train

Proposed California high speed train

Posted by | Comments Off on Train travel gains traction in U.S.  | November 21, 2008
Category: General

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