Robert J. Samuelson on High Speed Rail

Robert J. Samuelson warns us convincingly about the probable failure of high speed rail systems to operate at a profit:

Passenger rail service inspires wishful thinking. In 1970, when Congress created Amtrak to preserve intercity passenger trains, the idea was that the system would become profitable and self-sustaining after an initial infusion of federal money. This never happened. Amtrak has swallowed $35 billion in subsidies, and they're increasing by more than $1 billion annually.

 Read the article and follow the links for supplemental information.  After reading all of that, we need to ask the California High Speed Rail Authority some very pointed questions.