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Monday, December 7, 2009

DOT secretary touts job benefits of high speed rail

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has been busy lately, this time holding a conference for those interested in building high speed rail systems and equipment in this country. It's not just transportation, it's a big jobs program, he says. Read a report on the meeting here.
Posted by Tom BELDEN @ 6:13 PM  Permalink | 2 comments
Comments   
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 10:35 PM, 12/07/2009
    It will create jobs, but if you build it will anyone use it?
    — NickEeee
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 10:08 AM, 12/08/2009
    The key factor in getting people to ride the rails is convenience. Speed adds to convenience, but it's not the biggest factor. The trains need to run frequently. The Northeast corridor is a profitable rail route. The trains run very frequently on it, and because of that, it meets the needs of convenience. Many people, and rail officials, think the demand needs to be there to run frequent service. Really, it's the opposite, frequent service creates demand. If faster service helps them run more trains it will help. Once the frequency is there, the speed will be another attractive selling point. Imagine taking a train to NYC in an hour, or to DC in 90 minutes. Ride from the distant suburbs to the city center in half the time it takes now. High speed rail would also replace short hop commuter flights to a large degree. Up to about 500 miles travel, it's the better option, and would ease airport delays.
    — Pelti


2 comments
About Tom Belden
Tom Belden has been reporting about Philadelphia International Airport and other air travel subjects for more than 20 years, writing columns for The Inquirer's Travel and Business sections. His reporting (with colleague Craig McCoy) on baggage handling problems in Philadelphia have been credited with helping to improve the system. His previous blog was called Road Warrior. He can reached at tbelden@phillynews.com.
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