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Obama's Crazy-Ambitious Plan for High-Speed Rail Lines in America

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MushyHeirloom
04/16/09

In reply to Obama's Crazy-Ambitious Plan for High-Speed Rail Lines in America
I'll pass until I can take a train to Europe.
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tad49
04/16/09

In reply to Obama's Crazy-Ambitious Plan for High-Speed Rail Lines in America
Without this USA is falling further behind the rest of the world.
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Rabid Penguin
04/16/09

@tad49: Yeah, because without an upgrade to our train system the US will crumble to the superior might of the rest of the worlds trains.

I think you'll be alright.
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Rabid Penguin
04/16/09

In reply to Obama's Crazy-Ambitious Plan for High-Speed Rail Lines in America
I used to watch this show called Beyond 2000. I remember one episode where they talked all about flying cars and they showed some prototypes and talked about all sorts of cool things that would come along with flying cars. That was like in the 80's or early 90's. Where's my flying car?
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bosskev
04/16/09

@Rabid Penguin: I'm still waiting for teleportation pads.
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balls187
04/16/09

In reply to Obama's Crazy-Ambitious Plan for High-Speed Rail Lines in America
In for two!
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PiOnMe
04/16/09

In reply to Obama's Crazy-Ambitious Plan for High-Speed Rail Lines in America
they should just extend the BART down to LA, problem solved...... :P
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damnelantra™
04/16/09

@PiOnMe: yah, but that would take about 7 hours to complete a trip...
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Ryanraven
04/16/09

In reply to Obama's Crazy-Ambitious Plan for High-Speed Rail Lines in America
Meh..... I drive about twohundo anyways, and I stop when I please.
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Monty
04/16/09

In reply to Obama's Crazy-Ambitious Plan for High-Speed Rail Lines in America
It seems to be missing the high speed rail down to Culiacán for their prised home-grown goods. Those "small businesses" would love a more efficient way to send out their white powder and bring in new technology in their struggle against the oppressive government of Mexico. What finer way to do it than on a new high speed rail line?
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⌘Z
04/16/09

In reply to Obama's Crazy-Ambitious Plan for High-Speed Rail Lines in America
i'll give them a stimulus of my package.
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92BuickLeSabre
04/16/09

@worst. giz commenter. ever.: Isn't that something you give your self?
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bosskev
04/16/09

In reply to Obama's Crazy-Ambitious Plan for High-Speed Rail Lines in America
I'm a lifelong Democrat who voted for Obama. But this embarrasses me. Making a priority out of this kind of über-expensive rail system--that NOBODY is going to use and will forever need to be massively subsidized--during an economic crisis so deep that we can't even comprehend its numbers is absurdly ridiculous.

Please move ahead to other agenda items, like--oh, I don't know--health care?
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edison234
04/16/09

@bosskev: It will kind of suck to have great health care that is only available in another city and you don't have a way to get there.
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hodayathink wants WWFRD back!
04/16/09

@bosskev: I (and it looks like a few other people here) firmly believe that if this gets built, it will get used. Especially if they change that Route 66 line (Chicago to LA) and have it go through Vegas. A high speed train from LA to Vegas might subsidize about half of that line.
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bosskev
04/16/09

@edison234: Just like it would kind of suck to have a way to get to that other city but die upon arrival because there was no health care.
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Pope John Peeps II
04/16/09

@bosskev: Hey bonehead... what exactly do you think stimulus IS. Stimulus involves things like pumping billions dollars into giant industries like road and vehicle construction.
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Rabid Penguin
04/16/09

@bosskev: What are you talking about. Lots of people will use them. Homeless people will now have mobile shelter, and a quick means to travel between soup kitchens and bread lines.

And über-expensive isn't a problem. Obama seems to have no qualms about spending other people's money.
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shopperciti.com
04/16/09

@Pope John Peeps II: Im glad you said it first cause i think this guy just says stuff to get people in a uproar. You have to be the guy in the closet on Benchwarmers to not see the benifit of such a project. We both know healthcare is the last place they are going to start to make a change because there are to many people lobbying to keep it the way it is. THERES TO MUCH MONEY IN MAKING YOU PAY FOR WHAT YOU NEED THAT IS FREE EVERYWHERE ELSE. For christsakes even Hillary Clinton, who was all for Universal Healthcare, took $400,000 in hush money to shut up about bringing it to the masses in the good old U.S.A. If you want free healthcare but love living in the U.S.A and dont want to give up that love of your land feeling then move your ass to Canada and you can just visit here by using our badass high speed rail lines (see upperleft corner of map) all while wearing your Canadian assbag you got from the free clinic. As they say in Canada: NO WORRIES EH!
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bosskev
04/16/09

@shopperciti.com: "...i think this guy just says stuff to get people in a uproar."

Gotta say "no" to that. I do say what I think, though. If someone gets in an uproar about it, that's not my purpose. Still, I am flattered and intrigued that you apparently have been studying my comments long enough and thoroughly enough to have been able to arrive at such a considered opinion about me--thanks!
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Benjammn
04/16/09

@Rabid Penguin:

It's because we won't spend our money as consumers. Government spending is the only way we can get out of this recession quickly and swinging without a severe affect on our total economic growth.
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Rabid Penguin
04/16/09

@Benjammn: Hmm. So Government spending our money for us on poorly run failing companies is better than people saving their money if that's what they choose to do?
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imTheKing
04/16/09

@Rabid Penguin: You sound like a thick headed right wing. Let me guess, you know how to solve every single issue this country has. Have you found the cure to cancer as well?
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Rabid Penguin
04/16/09

@imTheKing: I suppose I'd rather be on the right wing than the wrong one. I'm sorry I hurt your feelings because I don't want your train.
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bosskev
04/16/09

@imTheKing: "You [Rabid Penguin] sound like a thick headed right wing."

While in the year+ that I have followed Rabid Penguin here on Gizmodo, I've disagreed with his comments as often as not. Yet I've found that he always is at least level-headed and considered in his opinions--without needing to stoop to flippant snarkism towards others.
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imTheKing
04/16/09

@bosskev: you must forgive me. I get rough on edge about people who thing that this decision is all on one single person. Obama is the talking head. Just like Bush was the talking head for the last round. It's not like Obama comes up with ways to spend peoples money on the whim. These things are talked over between who knows how many people before they are even mentioned. If he wants to toss out criticism on a single man, he should have to give some incite on how he would solve the problem. Instead people like him would rather spout bursts of gibberish. In the least, send a letter to your senator and tell them what you think.
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Rabid Penguin
04/16/09

@imTheKing: I thought I mentioned an alternative. Lower taxes, and drastically cut government spending. And stop it with all the bail outs.

Although my original comment that you responded to was just a joke on bosskev's comment of no one wanting to ride the train... I am still against the train.

On a separate note, I am allowed to not like Obama, or his policies, or his plans for this nation right? I don't want to be more like Europe, but that seems to be the way we're heading. But I suppose I should have asked your permission before concocting a differing opinion than you or Obama. I appologize. I can be selfish sometimes.
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imTheKing
04/16/09

@Rabid Penguin: He did lower taxes. Most people are getting money back. He raised them for people whom SHOULD pay tax. I know, I know. Small mom and pop shops are hurting because they only make 200k plus a year. I mean come on, its ridiculous.

As for the bail out, it would have happened whether it were Obama or McCain or anyone else for that matter.
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Rabid Penguin
04/16/09

@imTheKing: I didn't vote for McCain either, and to say any president would have allowed to bail out is false. I know Ron Paul wouldn't have voted for it, he's spoken out against it. Chuck Baldwin was also against the bail out. I believe Bob Barr was also against the bail out. But the problem is also congress.

People who SHOULD pay tax huh? Why can't everyone keep more of their hard earned money? He's also going to let the Bush tax cuts expire. Won't that be a tax increase?

Not only that but cost of living will also go way up. It's the people and companies making lots of money that are the ones making the products and supplying the jobs. You don't think those tax increases will be passed on to the consumers?
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GitEmSteveDave_IsNotLarryGaga
04/16/09

In reply to Obama's Crazy-Ambitious Plan for High-Speed Rail Lines in America
This will not be easy/near impossible. The main reason Europe and Japans rail lines can go so fast is that the railways are segregated/fenced in. This prevents people from wandering onto the tracks/leaving debris/driving into crossings. While it's true in portions of rail lines this won't be a problem, unless you plan of taking easements through eminent domain, you will not be able to install the rails in a protected enough environment, which will reduce the speed trains can operate. The costs to build elevated rails, the land you will have to buy/steal, and the environmentalists will hold up all plans for something so massive. And don't tell me Obama will piss off the environmentalists by ignoring him, b/c that's a large portion of his voters.
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Hello Mister Walrus
04/16/09

@YoSoyHe-Man!!_GitEmSteveDave: The same could be said for an interstate highway system, and that got done at some point - granted, that it was much easier to suppress hippy protestors back then.

Most likely, if this idea comes to fruition, not all the routes will be completed. However, I can see a strong possibility that some of them, particularly the ones running down the east and west coasts could be built.
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Elliuotatar
04/16/09

@YoSoyHe-Man!!_GitEmSteveDave:

Why would environmentalists hold up a project which will reduce dependence on oil, and most likely make use of rail lines already in place?
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GitEmSteveDave_IsNotLarryGaga
04/16/09

@losifer: Really, then why are your bretherin blocking wind farms off shore? B/c it will harm a bird that can't see 200 foot sweeping blades. I am not a enviromentalist, and I want nuclear power AND windmills off the NJ coast. If they any miles out, no one will see them. But b/c of the birds, no go.

What if these lines encroach on a mating crossing for a turtle? What is elevating the line prevents a salamander from crossing to it's nesting ground?
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The-Joker
04/16/09

@YoSoyHe-Man!!_GitEmSteveDave: don't worry, once Obama legalizes weed the "environmentalists" won't we bitching about this stuff.
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GitEmSteveDave_IsNotLarryGaga
04/16/09

@The-Joker: Which will be announced by Secretary Kumar?
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gloveofpower
04/16/09

In reply to Obama's Crazy-Ambitious Plan for High-Speed Rail Lines in America
I think it cannot be overemphasized how much this would benefit everyone in America if this were to become reality. Less traffic congestion, less pollution, more competition and alternatives to air travel, and the ability to travel long distances with comfortable accommodation. I think once America gets a taste of what high speed rail travel is all about, the floodgate will be open and we'll get a lot more of it. Once you've rode bullet trains, you feel like you'll never want to deal with another TSA line in a damned airport ever again. Bring on the rapid rails, I say, bring them the hell on. It's our turn now.
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Diet-Orange-Soda
04/16/09

@gloveofpower: Don't think these lines won't be watched over by the TSA.
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Hello Mister Walrus
04/16/09

@Diet-Orange-Soda: It's somewhat different. It's not like you can hijack a train and crash it into some building. I guess you could blow it up, but then again, you could blow up any crowded public place.
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Hello Mister Walrus
04/16/09

In reply to Obama's Crazy-Ambitious Plan for High-Speed Rail Lines in America
This is great. Now if only they could do something to improve the rest of the public transportation system in California...
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TheCapt
04/16/09

In reply to Obama's Crazy-Ambitious Plan for High-Speed Rail Lines in America
That and if it is cheaper than flying.... g'bye airlines.
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kagekiri
04/16/09

@TheCapt: Not really...until there are intercontinental railways or flying trains. It would probably annihilate some domestic routes, though.
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Hello Mister Walrus
04/16/09

@kagekiri: An airplane is basically a flying train once you think about it.
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Pope John Peeps II
04/16/09

@Hello Mister Walrus: Yes.... a flying, incredibly inefficient version of a train, which produces a fantastic amount of pollution with a much higher rate of killing you.

But y'know... you're right too.
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ShaColby Jackson
04/16/09

In reply to Obama's Crazy-Ambitious Plan for High-Speed Rail Lines in America
uhh, will there be wifi?
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Hello Mister Walrus
04/16/09

@ShaColby Jackson: Not only will there be wifi, but 50" OLED screens playing Crysis. I for one welcome our high-speed train overlords.
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Pessimippopotamus
04/16/09

In reply to Obama's Crazy-Ambitious Plan for High-Speed Rail Lines in America
Oh you can build this alright, but who will use them?
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Hello Mister Walrus
04/16/09

@Pessimipopotamus is off to the LB Grand Prix: Are you kidding? There is a ton of business traffic between all these cities. SF-LA flights are incredibly busy. That doesn't even count non-business travellers. Rail is much more efficient than having people fly or drive on all these trips.
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Veeber
04/16/09

@Hello Mister Walrus: Given the current state of Amtrack I think it's a perfectly valid question. People aren't using rail as much as they should given the benefits, and realistically won't without the right incentives. We're probably heading in the right direction with the eventual return to high fuel costs, but to discount the question so quickly...
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Hello Mister Walrus
04/16/09

@Veeber: I don't know. I think it's a no-brainer. I come from a train country - i.e. with trains that are well-maintained and not covered in graffiti.
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closhedbb
04/16/09

@Pessimipopotamus is off to the LB Grand Prix: I can see your point fully. Considering most planes go around 500+ knots as a cruising speed, these trains are going to have to proportion their price to the lack of speed. I.e. they are going to have to price a cross country trip at about $80 to make this competitive. For fancy new bullet trains, do you really see that happening?

Factoring in stops in major cities, a cross-country trip is going to take over 15 hours, and then only if it passes through the city you want to go to. I'd rather just pay the extra money and fly.

But considering he's going to use tax dollars to do this, looks like I'm footing the bill whether I like ti or not.
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Shamoononon: I shave my legs.
04/16/09

@Pessimipopotamus is off to the LB Grand Prix: No, the real question is, how many other jobs and sectors get their funds cut to build this? I thought we were suppose to be fixing the debt, not increasing it.
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duffyanneal loves toast
04/16/09

@Pessimipopotamus is off to the LB Grand Prix: Very valid question. Everyone here that says they will use it are forgetting one very important question. How do you get around once you reach your destination? It's all fine and dandy while you traveling along the rail. Unfortunately, unlike a good part of Europe and small sections of the East/West coasts of the US the mass transit system for the majority of the US is nearly non existent. So when you hop off the train in BFE Louisiana you going to be hoofing it for a while. So you gain little benefit from taking the train vs a plane. What you do get is paying nearly the same cost as flying yet taking 2x as long. Oh yeah planes use fuel, but what do trains run on hot air?
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Pessimippopotamus
04/16/09

@Shamoononon thanks Rocephin: Exactly.
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Darklighter
04/16/09

@duffyanneal loves toast: People will get around the same way they do when they get off a plane. What kind of stupid question is that?
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blah blah blah
04/16/09

@closhedbb:

The thing is, the drop off and security lines actually make up for a lot of the speed difference. I can go from center city Philadelphia to downtown Boston via train faster than I could get to the airport from center city, get through the security and checkin lines, fly, and then get from Logan to downtown Boston. Also, on the Amtrak, I'm sitting in a barcalounger with tons of legroom, and there's a bar in the snack car.
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bosskev
04/16/09

@blah blah blah: "...and there's a bar in the snack car."

Bar? Snack car? Why didn't anyone mention this stuff sooner?

* shifts in seat, clears throat *

Clearly, the development of rail travel is vital to our country's future.
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BTLFED
04/16/09

@Darklighter: Did you read all of his post or just the beginning? Is there really this much more ignorance on here than Jalopnik?

The point he was making is that trains stop in little podunk towns, of which most (if not all) of them don't have a rental car company sitting right there. I haven't been everywhere in the US, but I have never been to an Airport that doesn't have at least one rental car company on site or very close. Do you get it now?

Sometimes I wonder why I ever leave Jalopnik to come to any of the other Gawker sites. Some of you people are ridiculous.
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Darklighter
04/16/09

@Code name: Lavinicus Stronghold: That's what some of us wonder about Jalopnik. Have you ever been to a train station that didn't have a bus stop? I sure as hell haven't.
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BTLFED
04/16/09

@Darklighter: Really? Considering we don't jump on people that come on Jalopnik like you guys are doing here? Right.

And again, you obviously aren't reading his whole post so let me post it again:

"Unfortunately, unlike a good part of Europe and small sections of the East/West coasts of the US the mass transit system for the majority of the US is nearly non existent. So when you hop off the train in BFE Louisiana you going to be hoofing it for a while."

Do you get it yet?
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92BuickLeSabre
04/16/09

@Code name: Lavinicus Stronghold: But that argument has nothing to do with this actual plan or the map or the post.

I don't believe anyone is suggesting we invest in high speed rail to BFE Louisiana.
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vwminispeedster, pronounded Si-trow-in
04/16/09

@Pessimipopotamus is off to the LB Grand Prix: 68 replies. You wins teh intranetz.
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OMG! Ponies!
04/16/09

@Pessimipopotamus is off to the LB Grand Prix: As stated, everyone. These are the high-traffic routes. Amtrak moves more people on the Northeast Corridor in a day than the airlines along that route do in a week.

Additionally, given that 1 out of every 4 flights out of NYC is delayed, plus traffic, plus security, train travel is more practical (though no longer as cost effective)
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Voyou_Charmant
04/16/09

@Pessimipopotamus is off to the LB Grand Prix:

I would. Nice to meet you.
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Pessimippopotamus
04/16/09

@vwminispeedster, pronounded Si-trow-in: I believe this would be called, as Jalopnik readers can understand, a Mantide.
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