D'Amato: High-speed trains are just a shiny distraction
As one commenter to the article points out, her second concern isn't valid because capital projects of this type are usually financed. Also it doesn't include the costs avoided in not expanding the 401 to accommodate the "estimated 20,000 trips... each day" that the HSR would divert.
Quote:As someone who believes in public transit, this sounds great to me. But still, I'm suspicious.
First of all, I can't believe this rail system can be built for only $2.5 billion, as the consultant's initial report says...
Secondly, even if the price is correct, this government doesn't have $2.5 billion to spend...
Finally, a project like this has little credibility when the government drags its feet on promises it already made for more modest levels of service... to distract voters from the government's slow implementation of two-way, all-day GO Train service.
As one commenter to the article points out, her second concern isn't valid because capital projects of this type are usually financed. Also it doesn't include the costs avoided in not expanding the 401 to accommodate the "estimated 20,000 trips... each day" that the HSR would divert.