Midterms Threaten Nationwide Rail Plans – News Analysis – NYTimes.com

The Obama administration’s signature transportation initiative is almost always described as “high-speed rail.” But more than half of the $10.4 billion the administration has awarded for rail so far has not gone toward real bullet trains, but to build slower, conventional train lines that it hopes will form the foundation of a nationwide high-speed rail network.

Midterms Threaten Nationwide Rail Plans – News Analysis – NYTimes.com.

Filed under: Passenger Rail Politics, Passenger Rail Transportatio Policy, United States High Speed Rail

National High Speed Rail Plan Unveiled, Despite Political Roadblocks | Reuters

The study says the four most suitable routes for high-speed rail, based on potential demand, are New York to Washington, Philadelphia to Washington, Boston to New York and Baltimore to New York. Todorovich noted that incoming New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo supports high-speed rail.

Other areas the study considers ripe for high-speed rail are the Chicago region and the Los Angeles and Bay areas of California.

Pretty amazing stuff.

So, if I get this right, the four best potential HSR corridors are all located on the northeast corridor where Amtrak owns the tracks and never exceeds 130 mph. I do agree that the arrival of Republicans in Washington will tend to focus HSR development into more favorable regions. That is a good thing.

Those of us in middle America should not be too upset that the most densely populated portion of the country would gain the most from the development of HSR. Still, we need better transportation out here in the sticks and much faster trains (say 90 or even 110 mph) would make a big difference.

It is a good read.

National High Speed Rail Plan Unveiled, Despite Political Roadblocks | Reuters.

Filed under: Amtrak, Passenger Rail Politics, Passenger Rail Transportatio Policy, United States High Speed Rail

Study shows how high-speed rail would boost Wisconsin’s economy – BizTimes

A new WISPIRG study shows that high-speed rail can boost our economy, save energy, curb pollution and provide a popular alternative to congested roads and airports. Drawing lessons from other countries that have already invested in high-speed rail, the new report details a number of examples from around the world that make a variety of cases for high-speed rail.

High-speed rail lines worldwide have proven to be critical parts of their nations’ transportation systems — offering alternatives to congested airports and roads and boosting the economy. In Europe, Japan and elsewhere, high-speed rail lines have created new links among cities and between people, links that are critical to the success of a 21st century “knowledge economy.” At the same time, high-speed rail lines are saving energy, protecting the environment, creating jobs, sparking economic growth, and delivering safe and reliable service.

Read it all here.

Study shows how high-speed rail would boost Wisconsin’s economy – BizTimes.

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

Virgin bids to build high-speed rail between Tampa and Orlando

TAMPA – Rail, hardly sexy, has been a tough sell for Florida voters.

Perhaps Virgin will change that.

British billionaire Richard Branson, whose trendy airline Virgin Atlantic glamorized air travel, has entered the bidding to build the high speed rail line linking Orlando and Tampa.

The rail line will be the first in the U.S.

 

Virgin bids to build high-speed rail between Tampa and Orlando.

Filed under: United States High Speed Rail

Dr. Gridlock – High-speed rail forum looks at future

Tonight aboard HMS Titanic, first class passengers will enjoy a delightful mixer with imported wines and cocktails. The menu will feature a number of chef specialties, and get your dancing shoes on for late night fun for all.

Dr. Gridlock – High-speed rail forum looks at future.

Filed under: Passenger Rail Politics, Passenger Rail Transportatio Policy, United States High Speed Rail

China to Invest $525bn in Railway Construction – Railway Technology

Mind you, this won’t create any real new jobs and nobody will ride it anyway. What China really needs is more airlines and highways. That’s the ticket to prosperous trucking and airline industries.

Chinese people are being robbed. They have no idea what they are missing with the endless hours of road trips and motel stays. And the gas pumps! What a loss for an entire race of noble and thrifty people. They are just missing our! What would life be with out strip searches and being stranded on a runway for hours. And the drive to the airport.

The Chinese masters are indeed ruthless and hard men.

China to Invest $525bn in Railway Construction – Railway Technology.

Filed under: International High Speed Rail