Efficient high-speed rail networks are already staple of many European and Asian countries. President Obama outlined an ambitious plan today to bring the United States up to speed--literally. It won't be cheap. Obama wants to use $8 billion from his stimulus package for the project, followed by $1 billion per year for five years from the federal budget. But the project is vast, with ten potential high-speed rail corridors in the works: California, Pacific Northwest, South Central, Gulf Coast, Chicago Hub Network, Florida, Southeast, Keystone, Empire and Northern New England. Amtrak's Northeast Corridor from Washington to Boston, the only U.S. high-speed rail network already in existence, will have the chance to compete for funds.
Obama envisions two types of rail service: express and regional. Express lines will travel 150 mph between major population centers that are 200-600 miles apart, while regional lines will move at 110-150 mph between population centers that are 100-500 miles apart.
As you might imagine, companies are already jumping in to lend a helping hand with the rail network. IBM released a new study in conjunction with Obama's announcement entitled "The Smarter Railroad." In the study, IBM highlights its experience with smart transportation initiatives around the world. Hint, hint, U.S. government.
If Obama pulls off his plan, expect thousands of new jobs, minimized highway congestion, and an annual reduction of 6 billion pounds of CO2. And of course, lots of railroad-happy tourists.
Related: Breaking Down the "Energy" Projects in the Stimulus
Related: Everything You Need to Know About the Stimulus Is Online
Related: Broadband, Science, Greenness Trimmed From Obama's Stimulus Fund
[Via White House]
Related Stories: | Topics:Innovation, Technology, Ethonomics, obama, high-speed rail, trains, ibm, Florida, boston, Washington, amtrak, New England, keystone, Barack Obama, Passenger Railroads, Transportation and Logistics Sector, Passenger Transportation, Rail Transportation |
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Recent Comments | 11 Total
April 16, 2009 at 8:40pm by David Osedach
Europe and Japan has had them for twenty years. And China is building them as we speak. It will easily be 15 years before we have something comprable here.
April 16, 2009 at 8:41pm by David Osedach
Europe and Japan has had them for twenty years. And China is building them as we speak. It will easily be 15 years before we have something comprable here.
April 16, 2009 at 9:56pm by Noah Robischon
@David While I do agree with you, I don't share your skepticism. Even if it does take 15 years, still a worthwhile project don't you think?
April 17, 2009 at 2:59am by helen kenneth
Hi,
The above thought is smart and doesn’t require any further addition. It’s perfect thought from my side.
Helen
Miami real estate
April 17, 2009 at 3:23am by Ash Sangamneheri
While on holiday in Canada last year, we were surprised to learn automobile companies had bought train companies (in the 19th century?) to close them down, so people would use cars instead!
Though cars/personal transport has its advantages, I feel public transport (trains, tube, tram, bus, etc) is a far more environment friendly and perhaps more cost effective than building multiple lane roads for cars.
April 17, 2009 at 4:00am by Ariel Schwartz
@Ash I wholeheartedly agree -- certainly more cost effective than driving and flying as well!
April 17, 2009 at 5:12am by Charney Hoffmann
It will be interesting to see whether or not the plan for high speed rail will be able to compete with flying the same short distances. Rail may be a great idea, but it's success depends on whether or not it is cheap and safe enough for people to switch from flying or driving.
April 17, 2009 at 9:22am by Gianandrea Facchini
With high speed train, as TGV in France and Freccia Rossa in Italy, you have a clear gain for travel up to 300/400 miles. The gain comes from the fact that main railway stations are downtown, your travel time is far less fragmented than the one with flight.
BTW, Air France is planning to enter in the railway business because they foresee a decrease of their business of around 30% due to the train system.
April 17, 2009 at 11:49am by Chuck Rey
$8 Billion to this project is better than the hundreds of billions to banks.
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http://www.coachrey.com
April 22, 2009 at 2:38am by John Combalicer
Hi Ash, just like what happen to the railways of the Philippines. When Ford(Car Company) came into the picture here a decade ago. The railways and bus lines started decaying and neglected. What ever happen, is we dont know.
I think what we need is political will. And those lobbying in congress for their own good be thrown out.
A strong political will is badly needed....