Gas Price Increase Needed To Re-invest In Rail Infrastructure

"Aside from (gasoline prices)causing a pain in our personal budgets, the so-called "free market" is also exposing our transportation systems as unprepared to deal with the consequences of a long-term increase in gasoline prices. Although we are beset with steadily increasing congestion on our highways and airways, we allow our rail infrastructure to atrophy at a time when we most need it as an economical and fuel-efficient alternative.

Certainly, motorists are not happy. But where can they turn if gasoline prices force them to drive less and seek another mode? Business needs to ship raw materials or finished products, but doing so on increasingly crowded highways or by air is less and less cost-effective. Both are looking at rail as an alternative, but rail is underfunded, underdeveloped and unable to provide the desired level of service.