"High Speed Rail", No Thanks
Congrats Illinois... you've just been awarded 1.2 billion dollars in federal money. The plans... to build a faster rail system from Chicago to St. Louis. But while they are calling this "High Speed Rail" it's not. It is just faster rail. I've been on high speed rail, it is impressive and it's not in the US.
Meanwhile, check out the less than impressive stats. (via the sj-r).
"While the project will allow trains to go as fast as 110 mph, the average speed on the route will increase from 52.9 mph to only 62 mph, according to the state's grant application."
The SJ-R says the new rail system will have less delays which cut the trip by about an hour. While that is nice.... it is not earth shattering. And it seems REALLY expensive for little result.
Don' get me wrong... I want high speed rail in this country. I just don't think this announcement is what alot of people are expecting or hoping for.
Bruce did a nice job with his story. You can see the whole thing here
Your thoughts?
Ben is right, the problem is that the freight trains have the right of way. This is not the right way to go. I say do it right and build a separate high speed rail. This is simply a waste and will not draw more riders.
Put in a true high speed rail and I take that train every week, guaranteed.
This is just stupidl