The Benefits of High Speed Rail [Parts 1 & 2]
[V150 train, modified TGV, conventional World speed record holder at 357.2 mph from WikiCommons]
Over at Streets.MN, guest writer Matt Sindt has written two solid pieces on high speed rail and its potential in the United States. I recommend heading over there and checking out both [Part 1] and [Part 2]. Here’s a sample:
For over a decade, America has been mired in a prolonged economic decline. That is why a leader with a bold vision would propose a nation-wide system of federal HSR lines. The Presidency’s executive authority should be utilized to provide for centralized planning of projects, purchasing of equipment in bulk, and uniform quality control throughout the system. This would prevent interference by parochial interests in state and local governments from frustrating the purpose of the project. The overarching purpose is to improve connectivity between markets, decrease our national dependence on foreign oil, decrease pollution, lower travel costs, and ease travel congestion, and save lives by substituting a safer form of transit. [From Part 1]
If an effective transcontinental HSR network could be established it could easily displace the majority of domestic air freight carriers. HST’s take three times as long to deliver over long distances as airliners, but that would be timely enough for next day delivery. Their cost per pound would be lower. Since airplanes are susceptible to spikes in oil prices and HSR is susceptible only to fluctuations in the North American electricity market it is more insulated from international energy crises, especially speculation due to instability in the Middle East. A nationwide High Speed Rail system should be built to improve inter-modality in the transportation sector, lower express mail prices, enable improved access to America’s natural wonders, and provide superior comfort and service to America’s traveling public at a reasonable price. [From Part 2]
