New York’s slow train to high-speed rail

So, is the perfect really the enemy of the doable? Maybe. New York State has enough population density to suggest that true European style HSR is viable. The real difficulty is a lack of political will. Nobody wants to upset the big campaign contributors in the air and trucking industries.

Albany‘s latest push to bring high-speed rail to New York is a depressing reminder of how far we’ve fallen from our glory days as the Empire State.

Here we are, watching China crisscross its countryside with thousands of miles of state-of-the-art magnetic levitation (maglev) trains that zoom along at 220 mph.

France‘s TGV trains have cruised at 170 mph or better since 1981.

And the best New York aims to do – maybe, someday, with a little luck – is nudge Amtrak service between New York City and Buffalo up to a measly 110 mph for limited stretches.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2010/11/30/2010-11-30_new_yorks_slow_train_to_highspeed_rail.html#ixzz16mKyEk4p

 

Filed under: Amtrak, Passenger Rail Politics, Regional USA Passenger Rail, United States High Speed Rail

California identifies route for first high-speed line - International Railway Journal

CALIFORNIA High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) says it has identified the section of line that will form the first phase of the state’s planned $US 43 billion high-speed network.

Engineers have recommended to the CHSRA board that the initial phase of construction should focus on the 106km stretch through the Central Valley between Madera and Corcoran, which will include two stations at Fresno and Hanford. 

California identifies route for first high-speed line - International Railway Journal.

Filed under: Regional USA Passenger Rail, United States High Speed Rail