Protestors Question High Speed Rail in Face of Budget Deficits

The Pantagraph ^ | 1-29-10 | Mary Ann Ford

[BenKenobi]

Up until now you’ve had the constant expansion of population. At least where I am it’s been flat for the last 20 years or so. Traffic volumes have not increased by the usual 2 percent yearly or whatnot.

The problem is that there’s not nearly the same number of us young people as there are older folks. Now, I might be wrong, but by 2010, I’m expecting immigration as a whole to collapse. Once the baby boomers start to pass on, instead of population maintenance we’ll be looking at a population crunch.

[BenKenobi]

Edit, that should read 2050.

[Let's Roll]

Yes, but, but, if you have a car that makes you much too independent. Must be dependent on government at ALL times.

[Grizzled Bear]

These things never come in under budget, carry virtually empty cars except at peak rush hour, and seem only to serve the egos of bureaucrats (a public transportation secretary just doesn't feel like a whole person with only a bunch of busses driving around). The jobs created are negligible and short term but the debt service and maintenance goes on for ever in ever increasing amounts.

Oh please! The Illinois and Florida projects will surely earn profits comparable to Detroit's "People Mover."

[Gene Eric]

>> Liberals have this wet dream about Woodstock, VW Busses, windmills and mass transit.

bttt