The video against the construction of high speed rail was very interesting. The concept of billions of dollars being spent to shorten travel times for existing AM Track passengers was an eye opener. Not to say that all high speed rail systems are just modifications of existing light rail/train system. The main speaker spoke about the concept of the fix risk and cost associated with the development of high speed rail. One example of this was, if the new rail system is underutilized the tracks or rail cars could not be reused in another location or the rails be used for another function. He also spoke about the concept that the US is following the pattern set in Europe and Asia. The major factors that impact the use of rail in these locations oppose to here in the US are; most roads in these area are pay for use (toll), and gas taxes are on average three time the taxes that we pay here in the US. Another thing that was pointed out was the fact that in these area the rail systems are not experience growth at a notable rate, but automotive and air travel are increasing at a quick pass. The second speaker spoke about the stance that is being seen from the policies President Obhama is pushing for. This speaker stated that individual drivers are being pushed to paying for items outside of the realm of highway and streets. Drivers are being pushed to pay for regional transportation and alternative transportation measures.
I have mixed feeling about what the above video spoke about. The other two videos showed great examples of high speed rail systems that not only serve a purpose of commuting, but also the experience that it provides the passenger. Unlike the speaker in the first video, I feel that people will use the high speed rail to travel to places they would normally drive, even if there is not a large amount of time savings. As the state of our economy changes, so does the way the people spend and save money. If people can save on gas cost, vehicle maintenance, and not increase commute times by large amounts people will utilize the system. Pushing drivers to get out of their cars and use forms of public transit are extremely critical to the future of this nation. I think that the long term benefits of rail systems will not only help the environment but will also revolutionize the way that economies are form. Works with less disposable income would be able to live further away from their place of work and commute to those locations. There are several other benefits to moving towards this change, but I would like to hear what you think about it.
I think that here in the near future we are going to see the development of a few high speed rails in America. Like you said, high speed rails will not only cut down on cost and commute times for business travelers, but also be better for the environment. To set an example, from my latest experiences with airline travel, I see it as a declining method of transportation within regional travel. When I drive home to San Diego from Phoenix, it is a 5 & half hour drive from door to door, or a 1 hour flight. But when you factor in all the extra time associated with air travel, from getting to the airport 2 hours early, possible delays, and transit to and from the crowded airport, that is an extra 3 hours. My 1 hour flight is then turned into a 4 hour process, which only ends up saving me an hour of time. If there was a high speed rail across the desert from Phoenix is CA that took for example 2 and a half hours, I would be on it!
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