RE: High Speed Rail

Sad that Judge Michael P Kenny chose to play it safe and be a bureaucrat. His decision does not protect voters or constituents. Prop 1A was based upon a specific set of guidelines which the HSR Authority has violated. One can argue it was done intentionally or negligently but I will leave that discussion for a different thread.

No entity should be allowed to propose a stringent outline, have the public vote it's approval then make significant changes, go over budget and hold their hands out asking the voters for more.

Be prepared for:

Increased sales tax
Increased use tax
Increased property tax
Increased federal tax

A project such as this should be paid solely through ridership but, alas, this will not be the case. Time to move out of California.

Yay. Stop the obstructionists - build it.

Wow saw China has a maglev bullet train on the science channel maybe they could help California fix there stupid idea of a really fast freight train. Things like fencing the entire project, security, just a waste of taxpayer money. They are going to waste it anyway how about something to be proud of instead of hey a we got it done.

@Murray

Well, there are many big differences between the US and China that make high speed rail projects easier there.

In China, all land is already owned by the government. No eminent domain needed.

No need to deal with environmental impact reports and local opposition either. The central government just railroads the project through. And no one dare speak out against the project unless they want to go jail.

The government finances the project itself without having to get the people's approval.

And labor is cheaper. No unions allowed and no safety rules to worry about.

Lastly, China is a much denser and poorer per capita than the US. Almost all of its population live along the eastern coast. China piles on more subsidies into rail, which makes it more affordable for the average Chinese citizen.

Can't wait for a fast train like other countries have!

Johnnie:

I'm glad you "can't wait." How do you suppose we're going to pay for it?

taxes and bonds - same way we pay for all infrastructure

If the "America Last" crowd had their way, we wouldn't have bridges across the bay, a tunnel under it, highways around the bay, etc.. Be nice little hamlets with ferry service and private schools.

They are big fans of privately owned toll roads, however.

Guess what Johnnie, we've approved bonds that don't come remotely close to paying for HSR. And there is ZERO hope of more money from anywhere else. So HOW are you going to pay for it? Bonds and taxes aren't going to get it done. Next.

And don't forget that the private money that was promised has never materialized.

Good thing our state is rolling in cash and doesn't have any pressing issues like bad roads, no water, undocumented workers, burning forests, college tuition or losing businesses.

Yeah, let's build a train.