United States News
See other United States News Articles
Title: Laying tracks for high-speed rail in the U.S.
Source:
CBS
URL Source: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/high-sp ... train-routes-california-texas/
Published: Mar 12, 2015
Author: N/A
Post Date: 2015-03-12 09:34:05 by Willie Green
Keywords: None
Views: 9834
Comments: 46
Compared to Japan, which just opened the newest section of its high-speed rail network, the concept has struggled to catch on in the U.S. The White House unveiled its vision for new train corridors in 2009, but so far there's been little progress. Finally, though, plans to start laying the tracks for a faster future are afoot, reports CBS News correspondent Jeff Pegues. The Bullet Train in Japan covers 320 miles in just 2 hours and 25 minutes, traveling at close to 190 mph. Amtrak's Acela trains can reach only about 150 mph, but now there are high-speed rail projects underway in the U.S. that will boost that top speed by 50 mph. Within six years, Texas developers are promising a link between Dallas Fort Worth and Houston at 205 mph. In California, another project hopes to bring a 200 mph system linking cities including San Francisco and Los Angeles by 2028. Texas Central High-Speed Railway CEO and Chairman Richard Lawless believes payoff is just down the tracks. "Once the system is up and operating, people will appreciate its efficiency, its safety and its dependability, and that's what we have to do here; we have to demonstrate that this system can work in the United States," Lawless said. Chairman of the California High-Speed Rail Authority Dan Richard said his state has three of the five busiest Amtrak routes. "We know that there's a tremendous potential for ridership," he said. Over the years, high-speed rail initiatives in the U.S. have typically not gone very far. Between 2009 and 2010 alone, three projects in Florida, Wisconsin and Ohio failed when their funding was cut. "That's an example of one that has turned into a real boondoggle," California Rep. Jeff Denham said. Denham represents one of the California districts through which the planned system will travel, and says the $68 billion price tag is a waste of money. "There aren't ridership numbers to be able to balance the project, and there also aren't private investors willing to invest in it because there will not be profit if you don't have ridership," Denham said. The Texas project is being funded privately, but it too is facing growing opposition that could stop it in its tracks. A state representative has proposed legislation that would require elected officials in every city and every county to approve the project. Cattle ranchers like Rhonda Page Jordan are against it. "It's not feasible, it's not reasonable, and it's not necessary," Jordan said. She owns land near Houston that's been in her family for more than 130 years. The high-speed rail line could force them to move. "Anyone in the United States, and perhaps the world, looks at the state of Texas, and they see cows, cowboy boots, horses and people that farm and ranch," Jordan said. "If they were to try to take Texas Central Railway right through this property, they're going to destroy the very thing that makes Texas the great state it is." For both projects, it's taken years to get to this point, but they remain on track. In California, where the population is expected to reach 46 million by 2035, high-speed rail is seen as a solution to its growing transportation needs.
Poster Comment: Why is it always farmers and ranchers who stand in the way of progress?
Heck, if it wasn't for expansion of our railroads, those ignorant hayseeds would still be taking up to two full months to drive their cattle from San Antonio to Abilene along the Chisolm Trail, fighting off rustlers & Injuns.
Post Comment Private Reply Ignore Thread
Top • Page Up • Full Thread • Page Down • Bottom/Latest
Comments (1-6) not displayed.
.
.
.
#7. To: Willie Green (#2)
Bosh. Boston is a small city of 645,000. They chose to build it and did a poor job of it, plundering the public coffers with vast overruns. But they didn't have to build it.
I can't believe that no one so far has brought up Elon Musk's Hyperloop, which will make all bullet trains obsolete. /sarcasm - but when Elon talks about his Hyperloop- it makes TSLA rise. Pretty good act for a carney barker/con artist like Musk...er...Captain Queeg
That's just within the city limits.
I think the Hyperloop is too advanced and economically impractical.
Neither would I. I would call it "off-schedule & overbudget" -- the same as I would expect from this high-speed rail project.
Construction projects of this magnitude always are... same as our Interstate Highway System...
Mr. Chairman, I don't want my tax money going towards this, year...after year... after year...ad infinitum. Amtrak has never been a self-supporting service.
‘the Medieval Christian threat is under control’
Akin to all those high hopes for monorail back in the 60s. Here is such a scam. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZBPoRwog00
"Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever." (1 Peter 1:23)
LOL.
"Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever." (1 Peter 1:23)
Do they even have a stop at Fenway Park?
"Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever." (1 Peter 1:23)
Modern transport.
Gotta make sure the unions get their fair share of taxpayer monies, that will eventually get back to the idiots who are ruining this country in the form of campaign contributions provided from union dues money.
“Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rapidly promoted by mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.”
They all love visiting Europe and want to see the US be like it, no matter that it's quite a few steps backwards in time and evolution.
“Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rapidly promoted by mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.”
Europe would be Paradise compared to the cotton-pickin' Banana Republic envisoned by the Oil Lobby Plutocrats and corporate neo-Confederates.
I respectfully disagree. Yes, you get to talk to all sorts of different But the journey is interminable. Goes on and on... If you are trying to run a business - and I'd much rather ask the stewardess/steward But for retirees? - Completely different story.
Yeah, that's why I think the real market potential for true high-speed rail (150+ mph) is for regional commuting between cities that are 450 miles apart or less. At that speed and distance, high speed passenger rail is a very time and cost effective alternative to short-hop airlines. Longer distances, the airlines are still much better. (Unless you have plenty of time to spare and really enjoy watching the scenery just keep rolling past the window!)
LOL - yeah. YOU get stuck down there in the Amtrak snack bar lounge 'LOL' my tuckus...
Nap-Out IMO. And provide for that. The way to go. IMO...
So if people are atheists you are just fine with what they want to do? So how does it feel to be a slave of the those who love dictatorships and monarchies?
“Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rapidly promoted by mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.”
YOU get stuck down there in the Amtrak snack bar lounge with no edible food - while traversing the country. 'LOL' my tuckus... As a youngster the family took a trip to FL from NY on Amtrak to see Nana:) Needless to say after the trip my father coined the rail line "damntrak".:) The Pentagon tried to cut costs on travel from DC to PA, NY and NJ for travel duty. So traveled with the Assist. Sec Army once to a NJ installation conference using Amtrak. Even that 'short' trip was enough for him to tell the comptroller folks to stick it and get his C-12 exec prop plane back. Yes, plenty of dry turkey sandwiches to go around. I think the only thing that made him not go ballistic was a steady supply of bourbon:)
"Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever." (1 Peter 1:23)
Hopefully it was good bourbon.
“Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rapidly promoted by mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.”
I have yet to figure out the affinity for trains. I rode them all over Europe and was not that impressed with the service or the scenery, which just happened to be weeds along side the tracks in most cases. BTA using the bathroom in a train is better than using the "bombsights" at roadside rests throughout Europe, at least you had a door to close to discourage "peepers".
“Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rapidly promoted by mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.”
Look in a mirror: Ayn Rand was a pro-choice "free market" atheist who asserted that embryos have no rights.
Let me guess you paid attention to her?
“Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rapidly promoted by mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.”
"Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever." (1 Peter 1:23)
Not hardly, Pilgrim. I'm a pro-life, pro-government, America First! Protectionist. The anti-government, open-border, corporate-libertarian free-traitors in the GOP/Tea Party can go rot.
I think his Exec officer (bag carrier) had a stash on hand in that big ruck he carried:) One time the Exec was out sick and I traveled with the Assist Sec Army to Fort Sill (by plane of course:)). I drew the short straw to make the personal arrangements for him as I knew the senior officers at Sill and his Exec was out. On the list of things the post commander had to provide for the trip back (at the ASST SEC cost of course) was a case of beer for the flight back. So I called the Exec at home and asked what type of beer he likes. He told me to ask him but make sure it was not cheap. So I asked "Sir what type of beer do you want?" He said "you pick it out and make it good." So being of Irish stock I got Guinness. Apparently he was pleased with the selection.
"Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever." (1 Peter 1:23)
Speaking of Guinness have you seen/tried any of this yet?? “Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rapidly promoted by mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.”
So you don't like the politicians who would bring in the "immigrants" that would vote for the same people you vote for??
“Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rapidly promoted by mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.”
He was testing your judgment I see, sounds like you "passed muster". :)
“Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rapidly promoted by mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.”
Seen it but never tried it. I only have a few adult beverages now and then. So you know now that I am not Southern Baptist:) But of course growing up in a very Irish family I have had the stout. Irish families never 'card' you:) Kind of part of the cultural thing:)
"Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever." (1 Peter 1:23)
You are not a mind reader. But regarding immigration issues, I support increased border security including building a border fence and patroling the border with drones. This would serve not only to stop illegal immigration, but also the two-way smuggling of contraband (drugs coming in, guns & cash going out) I am opposed to amnesty for illegal immigrants. And I am opposed to H-1B visas that undermine domestic wages and benefits.
Yup - booze: the only item Amtrak never seems to run out of. And 'delayed' - Try the continental divide through the Moffat tunnel.
LOL, never thought you were.. :)
“Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rapidly promoted by mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.”
Don't make assumptions regarding who I would vote for. There are many different issues to consider and no "perfect" candidate. So that means you vote for whomever has the better rhetoric no matter which side of the fence they're on, it's worse than I thought.
“Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rapidly promoted by mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.”
Yep, as long as they support issues that I also support,
Pretty interesting how they stock up on booze:) Maybe they rip off the box yard railroad bums of their booze.
"Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever." (1 Peter 1:23)
And the major reason why this country is being flushed down the toilet, one issue voters. You overlook that persons other shortcomings as long as you agree with the lie they tell about the issue/s important to you.
“Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rapidly promoted by mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.”
And that's supposed to convince me that I should vote for politicians with whom I strongly disagree? No thank-you.
No only that you're voting for your own demise.
“Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rapidly promoted by mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.”
So in the long run, it was a necessary long-term investment in Boston's future, rather than let Boston crumble & decay like Detroit.
#8. To: Willie Green (#0)
#9. To: TooConservative (#7)
Boston is a small city of 645,000.
The Big Dig serves the Greater Boston commuting region, which with 7.6 million people, is the 6th largest combined statistical region in the US.
#10. To: Operation 40 (#8)
But I'm more then willing to eat crow when Elon Musk builds a 5 or 10 mile, full-size test track to prove the concept.
#11. To: Willie Green (#2)
"So in that respect, I wouldn't call it a "boondoggle."
#12. To: misterwhite (#11)
Nevertheless, California High Speed Rail will be an indispensible component of the west coast's transportation infrastructure for many decades to come and enable the region to remain competitive in the 21st Century global economy...
So even if it runs off-schedule and over budget, it will prove to be a wise investment in California's future.
#13. To: Willie Green (#0)
"Once the system is up and operating, people will appreciate its efficiency, its safety and its dependability, and that's what we have to do here; we have to demonstrate that this system can work in the United States," Lawless said.
#14. To: tomder55, Willie Green, TooConservative (#3)
This is another case of government trying to create a market where none exists. Where is the demand for high speed rail in California or anywhere else in the country ? What this really is is an attempt by lawmakers to bring more pork to their districts.
#15. To: Chuck_Wagon (#5)
#16. To: TooConservative (#7)
#17. To: Willie Green (#0)
The D&R terrorists hate us because we're free, to vote second party
"We (government) need to do a lot less, a lot sooner" ~Ron Paul
#18. To: misterwhite (#1)
As proof, I give you the "Big Dig" in Boston. The project was originally scheduled to be completed in 1998 at an estimated cost of $2.8 billion. However, the project was completed in 2007 at a cost of over $14.6 billion.
#19. To: tomder55 (#3)
This is another case of government trying to create a market where none exists.
#20. To: CZ82 (#19)
They all love visiting Europe and want to see the US be like it,
#21. To: Willie Green (#6)
Nevertheless, Amtrak can still be a much more relaxing and
enjoyable experience compared to being crammed 5 abreast
like sardines in an aluminum tube at 35,000 feet for
several hours.
At least on a plane(s) the nightmare is OVER
in a few hours.
people from all over the country (on a train).
This is very interesting - if you have nothing
else to do.
establish a new office in a new location -
ehhh - frustrating as heck.
on the plane for a pillow - sack out - and awake
at my destination. Then get back to a productive task.
#22. To: Chuck_Wagon (#21)
#23. To: redleghunter (#15)
LOL.
with no edible food - while traversing the country.
#24. To: Willie Green (#22)
Longer distances, the airlines are still much better.
#25. To: Willie Green (#20)
#26. To: Chuck_Wagon (#23)
LOL - yeah.
#27. To: redleghunter (#26)
I think the only thing that made him not go ballistic was a steady supply of bourbon:)
#28. To: redleghunter, Willie Green (#26)
As a youngster the family took a trip to FL from NY on Amtrak to see Nana :)
#29. To: CZ82 (#25)
#30. To: Willie Green (#29)
#31. To: Chuck_Wagon (#23)
#32. To: CZ82 (#30)
#33. To: CZ82 (#27)
Hopefully it was good bourbon.
#34. To: redleghunter (#33)
#35. To: Willie Green (#32)
The anti-government, open-border, corporate-libertarian free-traitors in the GOP/Tea Party can go rot.
#36. To: redleghunter (#33)
So I asked "Sir what type of beer do you want?" He said "you pick it out and make it good."
#37. To: CZ82 (#34)
#38. To: CZ82 (#35)
So you don't like the politicians who would bring in the "immigrants" that would vote for the same people you vote for??
Don't make assumptions regarding who I would vote for.
There are many different issues to consider and no "perfect" candidate.
#39. To: redleghunter (#26)
I think the only thing that made him not go ballistic
was a steady supply of bourbon:)
They feel the need to sedate their angry passengers.
Yes I suppose that it is a GOOD thing that you are
delayed for an hour or so to let the exhaust fumes
from the previous train through the tunnel dissipate... 
#40. To: redleghunter (#37)
So you know now that I am not Southern Baptist :)
#41. To: Willie Green (#38)
You are not a mind reader.
#42. To: CZ82 (#41)
So that means you vote for whomever has the better rhetoric no matter which side of the fence they're on,
and aren't staunch advocates of views that I strongly oppose.
I have no problem with seeking common ground where progress can be made.
Partisan refusal to compromise is for idiots.
#43. To: Chuck_Wagon (#39)
Yup - booze: the only item Amtrak never seems to run out of. They feel the need to sedate their angry passengers.
#44. To: Willie Green (#42)
#45. To: CZ82 (#44)
#46. To: Willie Green (#45)
Top • Page Up • Full Thread • Page Down • Bottom/Latest
[Home] [Headlines] [Latest Articles] [Latest Comments] [Post] [Mail] [Sign-in] [Setup] [Help] [Register]