High-speed rail line in Texas - Aye or nay? (Houston: low income, purchase)

[SugLandDAd]

Yes......we need more rail, and better connections between all our cities.

Our current rail service is a national embarrassment, and a great many countries have done it better.

A well executed rail transport system contributes greatly to the economy.

[JJG]

Originally Posted by SugLandDAd

Yes......we need more rail, and better connections between all our cities.

Our current rail service is a national embarrassment, and a great many countries have done it better.

A well executed rail transport system contributes greatly to the economy.

The state basically needs to follow DFW's lead as far as rail goes.

[kidicarus89]

Originally Posted by JJG

The state basically needs to follow DFW's lead as far as rail goes.

DART doesn't get enough credit. Clean cars (and stations), frequent trains, inexpensive. It's a great system.

[JJG]

Originally Posted by kidicarus89

DART doesn't get enough credit. Clean cars (and stations), frequent trains, inexpensive. It's a great system.

I don't know about you, but it gets a TON of credit in Ft. Worth.

Our system (FWTA) is a bit behind the curve...

[Dopo]

I think the anti-rail people's arguments are hilarious
Taking people's property? if we had been thinking like that 70 years ago, we wouldn't have a national highway system
Cost too much money? How much money do you think it cost to build a 6 lane highway.... and it's obvious that highway maintenance is more expensive

[Mr. Clutch]

Originally Posted by Dopo

I think the anti-rail people's arguments are hilarious
Taking people's property? if we had been thinking like that 70 years ago, we wouldn't have a national highway system
Cost too much money? How much money do you think it cost to build a 6 lane highway.... and it's obvious that highway maintenance is more expensive

Amen. The state is spending $7 billion over 7 years just to reroute I-45 in Houston and add managed (ie toll) lanes to the freeway. A project that will undoubtedly end the same way the I-10 expansion did - congested anyway.

What's the latest cost estimate for this high speed rail project, $15-$20 billion? Seems like a bargain for something that won't have capacity issues anytime in the foreseeable future.

Transportation is expensive no matter how we go about it and we all pay for it one way or another. Might as well be smart about how we approach our busiest corridors.

[Andy Capp]

Originally Posted by 2nd trick op

Most of us don't (or can't) participate in extensive foreign travel, and are more concerned about mobility in the real world, on our own schedule and at our own convenience, rather than chosen by bureaucratic fiat in the name of some supposed "greater common good".

I genuinely feel sorry for people who don't travel. There is a big world out there you know, and you'll never know what you're missing.

Re rail, I believe it's the future, so much more relaxing, watch the world go by as you work or just chill with a beer on your way home.

Nothing better than rail travel.

[Slowpoke_TX]

Originally Posted by DTXman34

Re: Mentality -- You're right that we're not Europe, but not everyone in Texas wants to be a slave to his/her own car. Many live in urban centers and would like better alternatives.

Then head to the airport and fly to whatever other urban center you're traveling.

We can't afford to build something that is unnecessary, redundant, and costly (like HSR) when our existing infrastructure is undersized and in disrepair. And those of us who don't live in urban centers don't want our (or others') land being confiscated.

If HSR was an economically viable, the private sector would have already built the line and placed it into service.

[DTXman34]

Originally Posted by Slowpoke_TX

Then head to the airport and fly to whatever other urban center you're traveling.

We can't afford to build something that is unnecessary, redundant, and costly (like HSR) when our existing infrastructure is undersized and in disrepair. And those of us who don't live in urban centers don't want our (or others') land being confiscated.

If HSR was an economically viable, the private sector would have already built the line and placed it into service.

But you're okay with your land being confiscated for a freeway or tollroad? I don't want highways going through my urban core either!

How is travel via single occupancy vehicle considered efficient? And the costs of highways?

[JJG]

I wonder if people were using that argument back in the 50s when the Interstate was built...