California High Speed Rail - Boondoggle or Boon? (Los Angeles, San Diego: school, live)

[BugsyPal]

Originally Posted by njbiodude

An opinion piece behind a paywall.

Don't have a dog in this hunt, but clicked on link just for giggles. It *WORKS*!

"Cost overruns. Projections of fewer passengers. Construction challenges caused by stormy weather."

"It has been a tough couple of months for California’s High-Speed Rail project. Detractors, such as Republicans in the state Legislature and even U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy of Bakersfield, have had ample opportunity to mock the project anew and question why it ever was started in the first place."



Nearly 99.9% of time things people moan about being behind a "paywall" are not; it's just many are Luddites and need to learn how to properly configure their browser including cookie settings.

[jetgraphics]

If we scaled back California's government by 97%, leaving just the parts that adjudicate disputes, prosecute criminals and defend against all enemies, foreign and domestic, it would be nice.
In fact, eliminating all taxes on labor and industry would be even nicer. Imagine California as a "tax haven." (LOL)

Imagine how fast that rail could be built without government meddling, red tape, etc.
It is foolish to expect anything dependent upon GOVERNMENT FUNDING to be built well, rapidly, and frugally. Government's job is to find excuses to spend more, hire more, tax more, and borrow more. Solving problems and achieving great things are just not in the playbook.

(Remember the "War on Poverty"?)

[mixxalot]

The French, Japanese and Chinese all buikt bullet trains in less tiem and cost. We need to do the same not this boondoggle operation. Private business would get it done.

[CA4Now]

Originally Posted by mixxalot

The French, Japanese and Chinese all buikt bullet trains in less tiem and cost.

"Ardent supporters just as erroneously constantly point out that California is the world’s fifth-largest economy. And if nations with smaller economies — in Europe and Asia — can afford bullet trains, they argue, California certainly can.

Wrong. Those are nations, not states. They heavily subsidize high-speed rail and can do that because their purse strings are much looser. States have budget-balancing requirements. And they can’t print money." -

Originally Posted by mixxalot

Private business would get it done.

"Private investors haven’t shown any interest."

- from the linked article in post #81

[V8 Vega]

Trains don't climb mountains worth a damn.

[njbiodude]

Originally Posted by BugsyPal

Don't have a dog in this hunt, but clicked on link just for giggles. It *WORKS*!

"Cost overruns. Projections of fewer passengers. Construction challenges caused by stormy weather."

"It has been a tough couple of months for California’s High-Speed Rail project. Detractors, such as Republicans in the state Legislature and even U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy of Bakersfield, have had ample opportunity to mock the project anew and question why it ever was started in the first place."



Nearly 99.9% of time things people moan about being behind a "paywall" are not; it's just many are Luddites and need to learn how to properly configure their browser including cookie settings.

Or I’ve read several stories from the Fresno Bee already

[NORTY FLATZ]

If this "bullet" train had the LA to Vegas run, it could be viable. But going from nowhere to nowhere is typical Gavin. Or Jerry, take your pick.

[CA4Now]

Originally Posted by NORTY FLATZ

If this "bullet" train had the LA to Vegas run, it could be viable.

How about Rancho Cucamonga to Las Vegas?

SoCal-to-Vegas bullet train receives $3B grant from feds:
https://ktla.com/news/california/soc...-fully-funded/

[Suesbal]

Originally Posted by CA4Now

How about Rancho Cucamonga to Las Vegas?

SoCal-to-Vegas bullet train receives $3B grant from feds:
https://ktla.com/news/california/soc...-fully-funded/

Would it run through Anaheim and Azusa too?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQq00lit_Fc

[vincenze]

Originally Posted by Suesbal

Would it run through Anaheim and Azusa too?

Metrolink will.