High Speed Rail

[dieselbenz]

High speed rail is for countries that have the balls to balance budgets, spend only what they can afford and not go into debt. America doesn't deserve high speed rail.

[theholycow]

I don't care who deserves what...if it could fix the economy, I'd love it.

I'm not convinced that it could fix the economy.

[GasSavers_bobski]

Public transit works well in high population density areas. Many european towns and cities are high density because they were constructed in time periods when walking was the most practical means of day to day transportation. As such, public transit works well in europe, but not in most sprawling US cities and towns.
The handful of cities where it does work well are particularly dense, like New York. It seems reasonable to me (though not necessary as these rail lines already exist) to link these population centers since people can get to and from the stations without a car. As was said above, if you need a car to get to the station and from the station to your destination, it doesn't make much sense from a convenience or financial standpoint.

[dieselbenz]

Originally Posted by theholycow

I don't care who deserves what...if it could fix the economy, I'd love it.

It just create more debt.

[VetteOwner]

Originally Posted by bobski

Public transit works well in high population density areas. Many european towns and cities are high density because they were constructed in time periods when walking was the most practical means of day to day transportation. As such, public transit works well in europe, but not in most sprawling US cities and towns.
The handful of cities where it does work well are particularly dense, like New York. It seems reasonable to me (though not necessary as these rail lines already exist) to link these population centers since people can get to and from the stations without a car. As was said above, if you need a car to get to the station and from the station to your destination, it doesn't make much sense from a convenience or financial standpoint.

yea the car when at destination is a problem for me. theres an amtrack station in town where i go to school but it doesnt stop anywhere remotely close to home. someoen would have to drive an hour to the closest station, pick me up then drive back
cheaper just to drive and the same time...