How long will it take to build new American high speed Rail system?
Okay, FIRST, there is NO “National Rail System” in existence or planning… The funding provided by Congress: $8 billion wouldn’t even build 175 miles of track !! ALL that was done was President Obama and Congress designated PART of the massive “economic stimulus package” be for high-speed rail. There was NO plan, no allocation as to WHO gets the money… NOTHING !! California has had on the drawing board for the last 20+ years, a system to link San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Sacramento. We (California’s voters) JUST voted to fund it this last November… it’s estimated to cost about $35-45 billion for the 700+ mile system, and IF they start this year they are HOPING for completion in 2015 to 2020. I agree that London’s Tube is a FUN ride… but it’s only 250 miles of track, it’s taken since 1863 to reach it’s current state… that’s 146 years !! It only covers ONE city and it’s boroughs, and moves at an average speed of only 50mph.
