I’ve heard all sorts of conflicting opinions on how to revive passenger rail in the US. I don’t think we can just build a new ultra high speed network from scratch right now. I’d settle for this as a start:
- Run 110 MPH trains on upgraded existing tracks to major cities.
- Make these frequent and on time, giving them priority over freight. Get people used to frequent reliable train travel.
- Expand where demand builds.
- Do the above while planning and building a modern high speed rail network.
We will learn a lot just by running a country wide 110 MPH network for a few years - stuff we have forgotten.
How do we pay for this: shift Federal subsidies for air travel and NEW highways towards rail.
