Pre-November 4th, 2008: Obama meant change. Obama meant opportunity. Obama provided hope for those of us desiring freedom from automobiles.
Train track expansion needed
Post-November 4th, 2008: Obama supports bail out of GM, Ford and Chrysler. Obama plans major public works program to stimulate economy… however bridges and roads are highlighted. No reference of trains, high speed rail, public transit? Can this be?
I hope the details are hidden and have not come to the forefront at this time. For it would be an opportunity lost for oil-independence, auto-independence, American independence. What a perfect situation for a rail system to be the envy of the world, and we are letting it slip through our fingers.
Paul Payer has written a nice piece on what is possible.
Eventually the price of gasoline or the simple absence of it will require alternative means of transportation. No amount of new roads or “Big Dig” projects can address the future traffic congestion caused by a national population expected to double by 2050.
The Singleton Argus reports a group of ladies are working effortlessly to increase train service from Singleton to New Castle, Australia. Four trips each way are currently offered, but with increasing coal industry influence, they have fear of scaled back passenger trains.