Mayor Reed Wants High Speed Rail to Savannah (cars, station)

[RoslynHolcomb]

Apparently the president is very enthused with HSR, that might be why the mayor has expressed an interest as well. As I look at the map I think one thing is really fascinating. The distance between Savannah and Jacksonville is vey short, less than three hours. If Florida were to embrace a route between Jacksonville and Miami, that would be a beaut; relieve some of the insane traffic on 95 and serve as an alternate evacuation route into the interior in case of storms. Eventually the train could link all the way up the east coast. The terrain is not particularly arduous for the most part, and the interstate has already gone through. Obviously pie in the sky, but not as bad as some plans I've heard.

[atltechdude]

Since the TSPLOST was defeated I would oppose this.

Reed is the mayor of Atlanta, which has far more pressing local transportation needs that are now not going to be funded anytime soon. We need to focus on those projects, not a super expensive train to Savannah.

[arjay57]

Originally Posted by AnsleyPark

arjay - You need to consider a hybrid...

Very good advice, Ansley. That will definitely be my next choice. I need a vehicle big enough to haul around all these dogs and grandchildren but I am sure hybrids come in all sizes.

[arjay57]

Originally Posted by 10scoachrick

Good on ya for keeping the low mileage approach. DW and I have taken a hard look at the amount we drive and are working on consolidating trips, minimizing unnecessary 'shopping', etc. It all adds up! You're in a great position to keep a low-mileage vehicle, rather than panic and buy a gas-miser at the cost of new car payments. I know it's not all about dollars; but folks who trade a perfectly good vehicle and spend an extra $25K just to save $500/year in fuel cost...well, NOT my idea of a good time.

Yep, you really put a dent in your driving if you do a few basic things. One, live close to where you work, shop, go to school, etc. If you are near transit that is a great help too, even if you don't use it all the time. And I totally agree about being smart with shopping trips -- we try to set them up to get as much as possible accomplished in one swing. We also partner with friends and see if we can pick up things for them or let them come along with us.

The cab thing is something we started doing years ago when we got out for dinner. It's worth spending a few dollars to be safe and ensure that you don't have to worry about DUI. I can't imagine what it would be like to know that your behavior had harmed or even killed some innocent person.

[arjay57]

I just saw this on CNN and it makes me think that maybe the US is just not a high speed rail country. If they can't do up north how can we ever hope to do it down here?



Video - Breaking News Videos from CNN.com

[cqholt]

Flatter land, more space between stations?

[ATL Golfer]

It appears the Mayor has been hanging out with Marion Barry and smoking the crack.

[MattCW]

Originally Posted by arjay57

I just saw this on CNN and it makes me think that maybe the US is just not a high speed rail country. If they can't do up north how can we ever hope to do it down here?



Video - Breaking News Videos from CNN.com

Don't take the segment at face value. For one, the station they picked is the second to last stop for the train going Northbound, and the second stop Southbound. For two, the state of Vermont itself subsidizes the train. For three, it's one of the few trains offering long-distance amenities along the Northeast Corridor. For four, most of the travel on the train is between intermediate destinations, like Vermont to Springfield, and not the full 9 hours from Vermont to New York. The $50 million expenditure, for 28 minutes is pocket change compared to similar decrease in highway travel time, especially over a similar distance. I don't see anyone demanding intercity bus services to pick up their share of the cost for improvements.

[cqholt]

US High Speed Rail Map

[DarkWolf]

Originally Posted by arjay57

I just saw this on CNN and it makes me think that maybe the US is just not a high speed rail country. If they can't do up north how can we ever hope to do it down here?



Video - Breaking News Videos from CNN.com

That was a botched report , number 1 that line is used by about 1500 a day and not 200. It was never a high speed rail project but part of the New England Intercity & Regional Master Plan which calls for upgrading and expanding 5,800 miles of track which will save on average 35mins on each line and up to 70 mins on some lines. That line isn't done being upgrade neither is Vermont in general which plans on spending another 470 million on Intercity and Regional upgrades , and making room for Electrification down the road which is very possible along the Vermonter line which would knock off about 2hrs off the current times with speeds of 125mph which by Northeastern standards is High Speed rail. 125mph+ is High Speed Rail for the Northeastern US , we have a few corridors which will be brought up to this speed by 2025 , Vermonter , Empire Corridor , Keystone line , Downstate line , Downeaster service and Berkshires line. The report also missed how they are currently upgrading the Northeast Corridor in CT , NY and NJ to speeds up to 170mph and 135mph in CT and NY.... Or the various New Locomotives and Newer cars along with station upgrades , signal upgrades , and bridge replacements that the High speed fund has brought....