The comments so far all seem to center on moving people. While this is admirable, rail is so much more efficient at moving freight than trucks are, that enabling freight trains should be the way to begin. There are problems with bottlenecks in the rail system where tracks run through major cities or tunnels or something similar. There are also problems with tracks that need maintenance. These problems and others can be taken care of.
A further advantage of prioritizing freight over passengers is that improving freight transit is more "shovel ready" than passenger transit is.
At the same time, the government should not be the sole source of funding for this since the rail companies are the main beneficiaries. They need to contribute their share as well. Too often (see the way the banks are using their bailout money) corporations use government funding for their own enrichment so that the original goal is missed. There has to be some sort of requirement that everyone do their part.
- by
Daniel Miller
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