INFORMEDdebate
YES
from members:
Richard Dublin
Wilmot, IL
Air traffic has become
so difficult, especially
on short flights, that
trains would be faster
and more efficient.
Kozue Nakamura
La Center, WA
I am afraid of flying
and I would like to
see the scenery of
the landscape.
Should the U.S.
develop high-speed
rail lines?
Armand St. John
Boca Raton, FL
It will be another
source of transportation and a good tool
for tourism.
NO
from members:
PReSIDeNT OBAMA ReCeNTLy unveiled his administration’s
plan for spending at least $13 billion to launch regional
networks of high-speed passenger rail lines connecting
major cities. These trains could reach speeds of 90 mph
or more, although they would not reach the 130+ mph
speeds of the trains common in Japan and parts of europe.
Supporters say this new regional system will reduce
traffic congestion, cut dependence on foreign oil and
improve the environment. Critics argue that despite invest-
ments in an improved rail system, Americans will continue
to rely on their cars or on air travel. They say the existing
rail system can be improved with current technology and
without costly investment in high-speed rail technology.
What do you think?
Misty Keninitz
Murfreesboro, TN
Successful integration
of high-speed rail lines
would require a
complete reworking
of the American travel
infrastructure.
David Howshar
Aurora, CO
It is not economically
feasible.
Find out more about this topic on the Web:
• www.o-keating.com/hsr
• www.reason.org/blog/show/1007373.html
• www. people.fas.harvard.edu/~stilgoe/01frame_book.html
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/high_speed_trains
MEDIA BAKERY
18 The Costco Connection JULY 2009
Brigette DiNicola
Needham, MA
We don’t currently use
the high-speed trains
available. It doesn’t
seem worth the investment to make this fully
functional.
