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U.S. High-Speed Rail Plan Subject of Diane Rehm Show

By Owen C. Hardy

High-speed rail
Maiden Madrid-Barcelona run of Spain's AVE, Feb. 20, 2008. Photo: Manu Fernandez, AP

What a great start to the new year –– a focus on trains in the national media. National Public Radio’s popular Diane Rehm show today features a wide-ranging discussion about U.S. President Obama’s $8 billion high-speed rail initiative. Among her guests are Roy Kienitz, Under Secretary for Policy at the U.S. Department of Transportation, as well as representatives from the Brookings Institution and the Association of American Railroads. Listen to the program:  High Speed Rail in the U.S.

Meanwhile, the Midwest High Speed Rail Association plans to quantify the impact of 220-mph trains on the U.S. economy. “We will need to quickly complete the project and publish its results to influence the coming debate,” says Rick Harnish, executive director. Help fund the MHSRA project by clicking here.

I’d love to hear your thoughts about this important issue. Some of our members think high-speed passenger service is basically a boondoggle. Others think it’s essential infrastructure for our nation. What are your thoughts?