Some Politicians Really Do Get It.
As I’ve said in a couple of earlier posts, there are a lot of practical and environmental reasons why the U.S. should be expanding intercity passenger rail service.
Comes now the news that Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, a Democrat, has asked Amtrak to study the feasibility of creating a network of passenger rail service in his state.
The governor wants two routes to be considered. One would be a
140-mile link between Cleveland and Columbus, the state capital. The second would run from Columbus to Cincinnati via Springfield and Dayton, a distance of about 130 miles. The State of Ohio would pay Amtrak for the cost of the study.
All right! Let’s hear it for Ted Strickland!
Thanks for your comment. I understand your point of view, but I can’t think of a single rail project anywhere — intercity or intracity mass transit — where pretty much the only argument coming from opponents was “This won’t work; people won’t ride it.” And yet, in almost every case, people DO ride it and the system eventually becomes successful. Case in point: BART in the Bay Area. There was tremendous opposition to the project when first proposed. Today, if BART has to shut down for whatever reason, the entire area goes to gridlock within minutes. I do think this project, if wisely planned, can be successful … especially if the price of gas continues to climb. At any rate, I do appreciate your thoughts. Aloha.
What a waste of taxpayer money. Ohio has looked at this same proposal numerous times and it has never made financial sense (cents?). What makes our new Gov think it will now? Some consultants are going to make a few bucks off of it and that is about all. It would be nice at least if it was an Ohio based consulting firm – at least the money would stay in the state economy.