Comments on: Prop. 1A High speed rail Bonds. What were CA voters thinking anyway?

By: Larry Gilbert

Larry Gilbert — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 23:01:21 +0000

Andy. Part of the Master Plan for this railroad is to have a P-3 arrangement. Public-private-partnership.
However, in the same breath, they speak of a $55 fare in 2030 which is outrageous when you look at the east coast bullet train which is subsidized.
The private sector should partner with the public sector but they also need to focus on a reasonable ROI based on their risky project investment. “Subsidies” and profits are like oil and water.

By: Andy Favor

Andy Favor — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 22:45:44 +0000

Larry,

I have a hunch that we will get more high rise apartments. They appear to work in San Diego. And I bet we will see them around the Staples Center. But that will happen regardless of high speed rail.

Anyhow, in one of those conversations on the train I alluded to earlier, I learned that thanks to Margaret Thatcher, the trains in the UK are PRIVATELY owned. If these high speed trains are so great, let private business take the risk.

By: Larry Gilbert

Larry Gilbert — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 22:03:27 +0000

Andy. Did you take notice of the Ballot Measure remark about eliminating urban sprawl?
Hello planners. For the most part what we have is what you see. This is not NYC with high rise apartment buildings. Having worked in the big apple I can speak from personal experience in riding their subways which is not the same as this proposed long distance train.

By: Andy Favor

Andy Favor — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 21:30:49 +0000

Hcat, I have ridden train in Europe a lot too. But again, there too I would much rather have a car. I have had many pleasant conversations with people on the trains, but still, hauling my luggage up and down stairs at the stations is not the best experience. Granted, I view it as a weight loosing excercise, but my wife does not see it that way.

I rode the Chunnel thing. Not impressed. I rather liked the good old days riding the overnight ferries and saving a nights lodging. Lord I am cheap. I guess that is why you guys should vote for me for State Controller.

Andy Favor
Candidate for California State Controller.

By: Hcat

Hcat — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:48:08 +0000

Sorry, but I’ve been in Europe too much, and I couldn’t resist an opportunity to kick the fXXXX airlines in the teeth. That’s what it’s about.

By: Larry Gilbert

Larry Gilbert — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:47:04 +0000

Brother Andy.
You miss the key link. Just as major airlines have hubs around the country this is no different. Anaheim will become the OC “hub” for all high speed transit heading east to Riverside county, north or south (to SD).
The trip from “Disneyland” to LA is 20 to 30 minutes. You can either take your car, Super Shuttle a bus or ride your carbon free footprint bicycle to Anaheim and wait for the bullet train.

While waiting for your train, at the new ARTIC transportation hub to be built by the Honda Center, you can buy a latte or a breakfast burrito to add to the sales tax base of Anaheim.
Don’t blame Curt. Blame those whose voted for this Measure while the state in close to bankruptcy.
Nice. While I probably won’t be around to pay off the $100 billion of Bonded Indebtedness our kids and grandkids will have that burden as they see funding for needed programs in CA be reduced.

CA Senator Tom McClintock once expressed this in relationship to our $80 billion redevelopment agency debt. The public really is not paying attention to that financial obligation as it does not appear on our VISA or Master Card bills to get our attention.
Folks. I’ve got some news for us. After you approve Bonds they must be paid off by someone.

By: Andy Favor

Andy Favor — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:21:23 +0000

Lets look at the time savings:

1) San Francisco–Los Angeles Union Station: 2 hours, 40 minutes

If I were to drive from Laguna Niguel to San Juan and catch a train to LA, that will be about 1/2 hour giving myself time to park, etc.

I don’t know how long the train ride to LA is, but let’s say it is 1 hour.

I imagine I want to leave time for delays, so I get to LA 1/2 hour early.

The ride to SF is above.

So in the best of situation, it will take me 4.6 hours to get to San Francisco.

Or, I could drive myself in about 6 hours with a nice stop for a Chocolate Shake at that In-N-Out burger that is half way.

There is no way I will ride this thing.

I just don’t see it.

But please educate me.

Andy Favor
Candidate for State Controller