A bond for the high speed rail (HSR) was approved in California in the November 2008 election.  Touted as both the solution to energy dependency and environmental conservation as well as a system which will favor the wealthy at the cost of the poor, the HSR in California has gained the approval of both our governor and President Obama.

Pros:

Proponents of the HSR believe that its development will make transportation more convenient, cost effective and environmentally safe than any other potential accommodations to travel demand in our state.  Compared to the 3,000 miles of freeway and the 90 departure gates to go with five airport runways, HSR would be a cheap alternative for Californians.

Cons:

Opponents of the HSR (see Bakersfield Californian and David Levinson links below) claim that the costs of this system outweigh the benefits, and that it is targeted at wealthier populations that will gain from the financial sacrifices of the less wealthy.  They also directly contest the claim that the HSR has any potential to pay for itself over time, saying that the HSR is being pushed most by those who will gain from its development (such as engineers and other rail developers).

Links:

• Proponents:

• State of California- California High Speed Rail Authority

• California High Speed Rail Blog

• Opponents:

• David Levinson, University of Minnesota- California's High Speed Rail: Some Facts

• The Bakersfield Californian- Put the Brakes on High Speed Rail