Regarding high speed rail and economic competitiveness
May 7, 2009By Stephen Lee Davis
The Fox Business Channel had Petra Todorovich of the Regional Plan Association and America 2050 — both T4 America partners — in the studio a couple of weeks ago to talk about the prospects for high speed rail in America. Does it make sense? Would it work?
She makes the solid case for high speed rail in the 11 American megaregions where it “could really work,” pointing primarily to the need to invest in a diverse transportation network in those regions to help America stay economically competitive with the rest of the world.
You can’t run an economy if you can’t move people and goods around. And right now our highway system is built out, our airspace is congealing, we have to provide capacity for economic growth, and high speed rail is a way to do it in a low-carbon way; in an energy-efficient way.
It’s interesting to hear the anchor (didn’t catch his name) make the disclaimer noting his personal interest in the issue, because he takes the train to work each day. He says, “I hope it works. I have to admit, it’s one of those stories that I have a personal interest in; just fair disclosure, it impacts me.”
His candor is laudable, but is there someone who would not be affected by the choices we make for our transportation system? While it may not seem like the most pressing issue to many of us, don’t the choices made — or not made — touch us all?
(updated: The video might not show up in RSS for some reason, but you can see it on the post on the T4 site.)
One Response to “Regarding high speed rail and economic competitiveness”
Other posts linking here:
Comments are open
-
- Transit grants out the federal door, but what about the cuts?
March 8, 2010 - Transit riders in Atlanta face massive cuts, “wholesale restructuring” of service
March 5, 2010 - Opposition to Senate extension results in looming shutdown of federal transportation programs
February 26, 2010 - T4 jobs proposal would create nearly half a million jobs, according to Economic Policy Institute
February 17, 2010 - Obama’s 2011 budget gives a lift to livability and transportation
February 2, 2010
- Transit grants out the federal door, but what about the cuts?
The United States of Transit Cutbacks
Driving is down and transit ridership is at record highs. Yet transit agencies across the country are considering layoffs, service cuts and fare hikes. Find out more and learn what you can do to help at t4america.org/transitcuts
Transportation: In your eyes
Send us your transportation-related photos.
