[waus]

“The first segment of the line will run from Madera to Bakersfield.”

Absolute insanity.

For those unfamiliar with California, look at a map of those two cities and what’s in between them.

Absolutely nothing but farmland.

I haven’t seen Madera or Bakersfield on any top ten hottest vacation spot lists.

The only reason to go to Bakersfield is if you’re a big fan of Buck Owens.

The only people riding that train will be members of the United Farm Workers and they’ll have government passes that will allow them to ride for free.

[Meet the New Boss]

It’s to transport the illegals so they won’t have to drink and drive when traveling to LA County

[Paladin2]

Looks like the route will get you about halfway to nowhere.

[haroldeveryman]

A similar story is the Chinese high speed rail system that will link up China’s empty skyscraper cities and has Ray La Hood seething with envy.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2005231/Chinas-ghost-towns-New-satellite-pictures-massive-skyscraper-cities-STILL-completely-empty.html#ixzz1zuAi64DA

[shorty_harris]

The only reason I ever go to Bakersfield is to get to what’s on the other side, namely Mojave and thereabouts. Which is up and over Tehachapi, something this train will never do.

[afraidfortherepublic]

For those unfamiliar with California, look at a map of those two cities and what’s in between them.

Fresno is in between. Fresno is the heart of the Central Valley, has a large population, and is increasingly difficult to access by air. I'm not saying that this train is a good idea, but I am saying that it is frustrating to try to reach Fresno these days. It is estimated that Fresno County has a population of 900,000. That's what's between.