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Some individuals and groups continue to march forward even with full knowledge that their special interest project does not pencil out. The Wall Street Journal just published an article entitled “Amtrak Chugs Deeper Into the Red.” In responding to their financial read ink President Joseph Boardman responded to the following question from Sen. Susan Collins where she asked “I don’t understand how you can be serving more passengers than ever before” while losing more money. His response: “It’s the long-distance trains,” Mr. Boardman replied, adding, “They’re all unprofitable.”
Today’s lead editorial in the OC Register reads “High-speed rail deserves quick death.” We’ve all seen the report from the LAO. Legislative analyst Mack Taylor recommended that control of this project be taken from the HSRA. The Register quotes the agency “is ineffectual, inappropriate and unaccountable.”
Perhaps the HSRA should acknowledge the experience from Amtrak, the current and established US long distance carrier, who is projecting “an operating loss of $506 million in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, up from a loss of $419.9 million last year. Officials have projected a loss of $616 million next year.”
Another reputable source for my writings is the University of CA. Berkeley whose latest report on mass transit states “Capital costs are the biggest deterrent to constructing new rail transit in the U.S. today.” Berkeley researchers Erick Guerra and Robert Cervero also support another of our arguments in stating that “mass transit” needs “mass”–i.e.., density.”
The forecasted ridership numbers touted by the CHSRA are flawed. It’s time to pull the plug.
Having written perhaps two dozen reports listing why this project should be canceled I will not revisit the same arguments other than to commend the WS Journal and the Register for keeping the spotlight on this boondoggle.
Larry,
Who cares about facts or reality? California Democrat legislator surely don’t (sadly, even some Republicans don’t). This boondoggle will only hasten our formetly great state’s final fiscal destruction. At least when it happens, no one can say you didn’t warn them. Thanks for your tireless efforts in exposing HSR for the fraud that it is.
Just saw the article today…..the Legislature wants to pull the $300 million matching funds and maintain the program with an annual $7 million dollar input.
Looks bad for the good guys!
Thank you.
They were trying desperately to comence their special interest project away from the big cities where it would entail eminent domain. We must take away their argument that we need to continue as the first 50 miles of track have been layed. We must make sure they do not put the first spike in the ground.
Shifting the first phase location reminds me of our successful fight to kill the Center Line project which began at around 87 miles in distance only be be reduced every time we questioned the project cost/benefit.
Lorenzo,
HSR is not Centerline in any respect. Totally different mission statement we might suppose.
Regional distant travel runs between 100 and 600 miles….we might suppose. Local transit would be short distances say between Los Angeles downtown and say Santa Monica. HSR does not have many of the same restrictions and limitations than that of a obviously joke that was Centerline….of we think it came down to 13 to 18 miles. Limited impact, limited pluses..to the local economy. HSR on the other hand invites alternative Regional and National travel objectives. in the words of Butch Cassidy: “I see 20-20 and the rest of the world is wearing bi-focals!”. It is quite obvious that the prevailing political winds have turned against the larger view of HSR. The reality however is that HSR is not a de-bunked Centerline Concept, but an actual major plus for both the environment and the economy in both the short and long term.
If reality can be regained……in the future….a HSR system throughout the United States may
come in 5 to 10 years….once a committment has been found that does not include asking States for Matching Funds during tough economic times. If there was ever a Commercial non Governmental solution….with Private Funding….rather than simply begging for Federal Funds …well, things could change.
Ron & Anna.
You have a neighbor who I had the pleasure to dine with at a CRA convention. This Newport Beach power broker had access to private funds from Asia for a high speed rail from Vegas to Anaheim. Due to problems at this end the plan has changed to serve Victorville to Vegas a much easier path. Stay tuned. That project, without taxpayer funds, is still on the table.