USA Today's traveler reporter asks, "Should the U.S. invest in High-Speed Rail?" (readers check their answer and results are available). He cites the usual critics but also notes the challenges it must face in order to build a successful line.
Citing the example of Amtrak's Acela Express that has the capabiity of traveling at 150 mph but averages much lower speeds, Billy McGee questions continued investment in high speed rail in the U.S., wondering if perhaps those funds would best be spent on roads and runways.
"When it comes to high-speed rail, advanced technologies often need to work within the confines of existing infrastructure. The United States could begin building the world's fastest trains tomorrow, but until we develop new systems, in many cases those trains would still be operating on aged rails, switches, bridges and tunnels, and fighting for space with freight trains and slower passenger trains. [See HSR News: Freight Rail Sabotaging High-Speed Plans].
The challenge for America will be rebuilding railroad infrastructure that in some areas has not been fundamentally upgraded for nearly a century.
Travelers, do you think the U.S. should continue to invest in high-speed rail? Or would you prefer transportation funds go to "Roads and Runways?" Please post your comments below." [USA Today Log-in required to post comments, but not necessary to answer survey question on left side].
Thanks to John Hartz
FULL STORY: Is high-speed rail on track in the U.S.?
TOD Opportunities Around America's First True High-Speed Rail Line
Brightline West hopes to break ground, in anticipation of a 2027 opening. Cities in the Inland Empire and High Desert areas of Southern California are looking to take advantage.
Tracking U.S. ‘Higher-Speed’ Rail Progress
Five projects are moving the United States forward on so-called “higher-speed” rail.
Brightline Opening to Central Florida Delayed
The high-speed rail connection between West Palm Beach and Orlando will not open on time for the holiday weekend as originally planned.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
Paris Bike Boom Leads to Steep Drop in Air Pollution
The French city’s air quality has improved dramatically in the past 20 years, coinciding with a growth in cycling.
Why Housing Costs More to Build in California Than in Texas
Hard costs like labor and materials combined with ‘soft’ costs such as permitting make building in the San Francisco Bay Area almost three times as costly as in Texas cities.
San Diego County Sees a Rise in Urban Coyotes
San Diego County experiences a rise in urban coyotes, as sightings become prevalent throughout its urban neighbourhoods and surrounding areas.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
City of Santa Clarita
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service