California Moves Forward with High-Speed Rail

Although Proposition 1A was passed back on November 4th, I thought it would be important to reiterate the importance of this victory was for not just the people of California but for the entire United States -- that passenger rail is not dead in this country.

Below is the press release from the Chairman of the California High Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA):

History will remember this night, when Californians demanded a new transportation system for California’s 21st Century travel needs. Thanks to tonight’s vote, a state-of-the art, new transportation choice will link every major city in the state and move people and products like never before. The citizens of California have put the 21st Century golden spike in the ground with a clear affirmation of high-speed trains.

As Chairman of the High-Speed Rail Authority, I pledge to honor the spirit of those who established our state’s pioneering transportation system, by working to build a first-in-the nation high speed train system to benefit future generations.

This effort will improve our once-matchless transportation systems in California by delivering a high-speed train system that will cost two or three times less than expanding freeways and airport to accommodate millions of new Californians by 2030.

A reliable 220-mile per hour electric high-speed train system will reduce our dependence on foreign oil by more than 12 million barrels per year and reduce greenhouse gases that causing global warming by 12.7 billion pounds annually. In short, we seek to reduce traffic congestion, protect our environment and give energy and life to our economy to the tune of 450,000 new jobs.

In turbulent economic times, this vote is particularly satisfying. The voters have demanded we face the future by planning for continued population growth at a time in which airports and freeways have reached capacity.

Our approach will be grounded by public-private financing and guided by scrupulous fiscal discipline and accountability. We accept the charge to build this train and we recognize our enormous responsibility to the current and future residents of this great State. We will live up to their expectations and aspirations.

And here is a video describing the benefits of the High-Speed Rail Network: