USA Today's traveler reporter asks, "Should the U.S. invest in High-Speed Rail?" (readers check their answer and results are available). He cites the usual critics but also notes the challenges it must face in order to build a successful line.
Citing the example of Amtrak's Acela Express that has the capabiity of traveling at 150 mph but averages much lower speeds, Billy McGee questions continued investment in high speed rail in the U.S., wondering if perhaps those funds would best be spent on roads and runways.
"When it comes to high-speed rail, advanced technologies often need to work within the confines of existing infrastructure. The United States could begin building the world's fastest trains tomorrow, but until we develop new systems, in many cases those trains would still be operating on aged rails, switches, bridges and tunnels, and fighting for space with freight trains and slower passenger trains. [See HSR News: Freight Rail Sabotaging High-Speed Plans].
The challenge for America will be rebuilding railroad infrastructure that in some areas has not been fundamentally upgraded for nearly a century.
Travelers, do you think the U.S. should continue to invest in high-speed rail? Or would you prefer transportation funds go to "Roads and Runways?" Please post your comments below." [USA Today Log-in required to post comments, but not necessary to answer survey question on left side].
Thanks to John Hartz
FULL STORY: Is high-speed rail on track in the U.S.?

Rethinking Redlining
For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

California High-Speed Rail's Plan to Right Itself
The railroad's new CEO thinks he can get the project back on track. The stars will need to align this summer.

‘Displaced By Design:’ Report Spotlights Gentrification in Black Neighborhoods
A new report finds that roughly 15 percent of U.S. neighborhoods have been impacted by housing cost increases and displacement.

Nevada and Utah Groups Oppose Public Land Sell-Off Plan
A set of last-minute amendments to the budget reconciliation bill open up over half a million acres of federally managed land to sales.

More Than a Park: A Safe Haven for Generations in LA’s Chinatown
Alpine Recreation Center serves as a vital cultural and community hub in Los Angeles' Chinatown, offering a safe, welcoming space for generations of Chinese American residents to gather, connect, and thrive amidst rapid urban change.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Clovis
City of Moorpark
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions