kurty[B]

Do you see a national high-speed rail system getting underway in America?

I can only hope! High-speed rail system in the U.S. would be great. The hardest part, is yes, America is a big place, and if any one particular location gets federal funding the others will feel neglected.


There are several states that have already been pushing for this kind of system. Do you see the overall system as a state or federal issue?

I wish people would see it as a federal issue. How great would it be to hop from San Diego to Seattle by train? Florida to Boston, or Chicago to Denver?


Would you use such a system instead of air or highway travel?

After taking the high speed train from Rome to Florence. I would definitely use such a system if it was available. No turbulence, comfort, ease. I'd take whichever offered cheaper tickets.


Is this a good idea, or would it be a waste of taxpayer money?

I think its a great idea, but I imagine most people who are not going to be directly affected by it (plenty of mid-westerners) absolutely hate the idea.


Is America behind the times in this 21st century when it comes to transportation?

Yes. I also think the way most American approach transportation is off. The hike in gas prices last year helped affect that thinking, but with cheap gas prices back I see the "driving everywhere as usual" thinking back.


What about Canada? Should there be a North American network of high-speed rail?

A network of high-speed raillines would be tough to do. I imagine with only a billion available at a time you are looking at accomplishing it city by city. I think the East Coast would be the most intelligent place to get a system up and running.

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