Republicans short-sighted on high-speed rail on the Peoria.com Forums - Page 3

That's what the majority of the federal dollars are for; building new tracks. The reason that Amtrak is so bad is because of the aging lines that limit speed and efficiency.

But what you guys are saying is partly true, spending the money building the infrastructure for high-speed rail isn't a guarantee that it will be utilized. It will take a shift in public mindset to gain the full benefit, well, that and $5/gal gasoline.
Still, the argument that no one will use it because they already have a car is indeed short-sighted. There is no doubt that the cost of gasoline is going to increase as the years go by. At some point it is going to become a crisis, whether due to high cost or low availability. By not at least planting the seeds of the next generation of transportation, we are delaying the inevitable.

actually it's rivermen1. sorry didn't mean to tell you your own name.

$5 a gallon gas won't stop people from driving anymore than $5 a pack cigarettes stop people from smoking. I remember hearing everybody I know say "If the price gets up to $x, I am quitting" all of them still smoke.

We are a nation of people that for the most part LOVE our cars and aren't going to give them up to ride another form of mass transit.

I've never even been on a bus.

This isn't about the lower class, the ICE Bahn train (High Speed Rail) is one of the most expensive ways to travel in Germany. Unless the government plans to subsidize ridership based on income, the "lower class" people (your words, not mine) won't be riding it. They'll stick with the $35 greyhound.

I sure hope no endangered animals rare threatened in the land grab. There are no "road crossings" where these operate, straight line, minimal grade. Considering the lay of the land, safety compliance will be difficult here. I do wonder what electric source will provide the energy, and other structural concerns that are unknown.

"Unsustainable" is the word that comes to mind when I read this utopian ideal. WE CAN'T AFFORD IT. WAKE UP! The credit card is maxed out.

obviously we can afford it; it is on the table isn't it...?

Never been on a bus.
Never wanted to hit anyone.

You get laid yet??

ahhh, to enjoy the blissful ignorance of a 4th grader again....

Everyday.

OK, to actually join in the conversation, of course we can't afford it. But we can't afford to keep increasing our dependance on oil, either, We can't afford to keep relying on cars, just 'cuz we have 'em. Ask people in NY City about using public transportation. How many business class passengers are there on planes? They don't have their cars when they get to their destination.

Hell, CILCO wants another increase. The way things are, people won't be able to afford their cars, when you add in gas, tax, and insurance increases.....

It's pretty well known that mass transportation is something that needs to be developed. As for the $65.00 for a bus, ever ride a bus for a long distance? I did, a few times. Lawton, OK to Buffalo and back, and then Kansas City to Buffalo. It's a nightmare. I'll take paying double to get there faster and be more comfortable any time.

If you can't afford cars and gas- how do you get to the train depot? How do you get from the train depot to your final destination if it is a ways away from the depot?

How do people get to the airport? The Amtrak station??

they usually drive their cars. I take Amtrak to Chicago when we go, but I damn sure don't walk or ride my bike to the station in Bloomington.