What is the reason why the U.s government hasn´t invested in high speed trains?

Question

Why?? Would you like to have some high speed trains?

Answer 1

Our elected officials don't see beyond their next election to fund an effective public transportation system

As soon as we as a voting populace make our wishes known in no uncertain terms that we want a public transportation system that is not an embarrassment it can happen, not until.

Ridership is up in every sector of Amtrak, almost 40% across the hi-line in Montana.

We have already demonstrated positively that people WILL ride trains if they are available at a reasonable price and with proper routes and options.

As the cost of gas goes up, and people become more conscious of the environmental damage done by personal automobiles it will be more in demand.

All it takes is for our elected representatives to reverse their long standing and established cranial/r****m inversion.

Thanx for asking, good question!

Answer 2

oil companies want you using cars....and freight rrs dont want to clog up their lines with low revenue passenger trains

Answer 3

Why does the government have to spend our tax money on transportation.  If it made sense here then there would be private corporations all over it.  If the government did spend that much money on something the private sector should have done,  they would be out of a job next election.  Its called Capitalism, and it works.

Note to Avy:  I have worked for a railroad for 20 years and I know how much money is given to railroads.  Yes it is a waste. I know where the money ends up.  Do you not think the government wastes our money?  The most corrupt federal department in our government, is the Department Of Transportation.

Answer 4

I wouldn't leave "the governement" unattened in my garage, let alone entrust to them the funds or authority to build any high speed rail.

We'd wind up with a "Tunerville Trolley" that cost $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.

Answer 5

I love the trains but the us is a very large land mass.  This is road trip country... we consume big and we drive big.  

Besides... it doesn't cost that much to fly and its still the fastest way to travel.  

Would love bullet trains to get to major cities though.

edit:  A note to USA Proud.  The government DOES invest heavily into our transportation structure.  Where do you think your taxes go?  Maintain roads, support airlines (yes our gov't put a lot of money to support the airlines industry).... and it is not a waste.

Answer 6

Why is it up to the government to "invest"  in high speed trains?

Our govt is one of the most inefficient creatures out there,  with the ability to tax your money and take it out of your control.   The history of waste is not debated.    

High speed trains need smooth tracks and right of way.    This is cost prohibitive.     Yes,  I would like to see a greater reliance on rail travel in this country,  but not with the govt involved.

Answer 7

Oil. The government needs us to consume as much oil as we can; that's why they still encourage the purchase of SUV's. If they made high speed trains, people would use them for commutes and the oil demand would be cut in half. (which is a great idea, but the US government doesn't really invest in good ideas)

There are already cars that run on water- we could all use those!

http://waterpoweredcar.com/

Answer 8

Because the American public refuses to pay the taxes it would take to build them and other than the densely populated areas of the country there is not enough ridership to warrant the railroads investing in them. That's the reason that the railroads got out of the passenger business several years ago. As a matter of fact if it were not for very large government subsidies Amtrak would not exist in the limited way that it does now.

Answer 9

The main problem is they have to share the line with freight haulers. Freight is more cost effective. Building dedicated lines for high speed rail is far too expensive. I do think you will see more rail travel, while it takes longer, there's a better chance of getting to your destination. When was the last train hijacked?