President Barack Obama Talks to Tampa's News Channel Eight about Florida High Speed Rail

[travel1949]

hey OSTUPID, we DO NOT have money for that train...

[gibb1991]

The President says that the rest of the world is cleaning our clocks, well 'his' (really a spin off of Jimmy Carter's) plan isn't exactly ambitious. Private companies that are looking into running in the United States have far better business plans than the DOT.

[lenojames]

@gibb1991 The DOT and the FRA are the ones that commission the rail lines. The private companies are the ones that run their businesses on the rails. Apple & oranges.

And the plan can't be ambitious at this point. Much of our system still has bolted rails, hammered spikes, wooden ties, and trackside signaling. We still have 19th century technology in place. HSR needs continuously welded rails, metal rail clips into concrete ties, and in-cab signaling. We are about three generations behind.

[gibb1991]

@lenojames In terms of the high speed rail plan, yes. Otherwise, almost rail lines in the United States are completely owned and operated by private companies with very little government involvement. Much of Europe does however have the rail lines commissioned by the government and operated by private companies.

[Darksteelbeast]

The United States is losing the race to build the infrastructure of th 21st century to China. We need to get our act together if we want these jobs.