futurescape

Plans for a high speed rail system in California could get a boost from an $8-billion dollar stimulus package.

From ABC30 HD News online:

Thursday, the Obama administration released criteria for states wanting cash for high-speed railroads. The guidelines favor states that already have revenue sources.

California plans to use nearly $10-million in bonds to help supplement possible stimulus money for an 800-mile track.

Eight states in the Midwest have agreed to a network that would connect 12 cities across 400 miles.

The high speed rail system in France, called the TGV, has revolutionized travel within the country. Now it's easy to pop between Avignon and Paris in under 3 hours (a distance that used to be a 6-7 hour drive) and if you buy your tickets in advance you can pay as little as $30 each way. 

From Dwell Blog online:

California is already in a huge budget deficit but that didn't appear to deter voters from passing prop 1A last fall and committing over 19 billion to the project which is expected to take a minimum of 8-11 years for an 'initial segment' to be operational. The California train will connect LA and San Francisco in about 2.5 hours and has the capacity to revolutionize local commutes. For instance, part of the line will travel between LA and Irvine, currently a 1-2 hour drive, often in traffic. The system will also connect Oakland with San Jose,  helping ease traffic congestion for daily commuters, and providing them an alternative.