"Is the U.S. turning a corner on high-speed rail?"

[midnight]

Here in Wisconsin Gubernatorial candidate Tom Barret is working hard to bring this into fruition. He has opposition from his tea bagger opponent.

"For generations, much of the nation has been forced to use cars, buses or pricey aircraft to travel to nearby cities. But this year, Washington opened the door to what may be a historic turning point in regional travel.
The Department of Transportation awarded $8 billion among 31 states to begin developing America's first nationwide high-speed intercity passenger rail service.

Panyanouvong said he loves the idea of jumping on a train, turning on his computer and getting some work done on his way to Tampa, "without having to worry about traffic or driving."
But the idea is much bigger than convenience, say supporters, who believe high-speed intercity rail will cut U.S. dependence on foreign oil, reduce climate-changing pollution and fatten wallets by triggering economic development."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/08/18/is-the-us-finally-getting_n_685974.html

[PhillyGurl]

1. If only....**sigh**

I sure miss the European trains.

[Blue Owl]

2. K & R

Don't let the 'baggers lies obstruct the truth.

Amtrak ridership in general, as well as metro light rail/streetcar ridership, has gone up over the last couple years.

The trend does not support the teabagger/freeper/rightwing platform in any way, they just want to keep us dependent on foreign oil and the glorious wars it brings.

[midnight]

3. If you click the link and can get the large photo of the rail

there are other photos from high speed around the world. Why/how is it that the oil industry has kept this country from transportation progress.

[NoNothing]

4. Something I don't understand

Why has rail construction become so expensive?

Here in Wisconsin, the non-high-speed, non-electric Milwaukee-to-Madison line is projected to cost $800,000,000. The route be about 90 miles long and travel along an existing railroad.

But that's as much as the ENTIRE FIRST TRANSCONTINENTAL RAILROAD cost, adjusted for inflation.

??????????????????????????

[midnight]

5. Holy cats.... Do you have a link for that price tag?

[NoNothing]

6. Yes I do

http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/projects/recovery/docs/rail-grant-13.pdf

See especially attachment 1.

[boomerbust]

7. Green Bay to Chicago

Would be a better route for high speed.