Random Thoughts of Chris Tilley

I have been following the movement to bring high speed trains to California for a number of years. They are getting closer to actual construction with construction bonds going to public vote Nov 4 2008. They are looking to get $9.95 billion for the construction of the link from San Francisco to Anaheim.

That seems like a lot of money but 'HSR will cost only half as much to build than the same capacity in roads and air alone, and will require less land, affect fewer natural resources, and will encourage more compact urban development.' It will eliminate the need for 2970 Lane miles of highways, 91 airport gates and 5 new runways.

They have a nice pdf on the effects on global warming. Some of the key points:

• Eliminate the equivalent of 11 Billion miles of vehicle travel.
• Uses 1/3 the energy of an airplane.
• Uses 1/2 the energy of a car driving intercity.
• Uses 1/5 the energy of a commuter car.
• 34% less energy to construct than the equivalent airport and highway improvements.

They have a 10-minute overview of the California High-Speed Rail project. (YouTube) It is well presented and answers a lot of question. Definitely worth watching and forwarding on to all your friends.

It going to go 200mph, faster than most other option and probably even faster than plane when you count in clearing security. It is cheaper than the equivalent capacity of roads and airport expansions. It will be far better for the environment and global warming. It should be an easy choice for Californians but it probably won't be.