"For the cost of two or three highway interchanges, we could develop a corridor between two major cities," Amtrak CEO Alex Kumant told NBC Nightly News tonight about the Acela which, at a top speed of 150 MPH, is America's fastest - and most popular - passenger rail service.
Plans reportedly are on the shelf to expand 100 MPH routes routes connecting Chicago, St. Louis, Detroit, and Cleveland. But America doesn't yet embrace investment in rail infrastructure as a realistic strategy to promote transportation. Nevermind economic prosperity, environmental protection, and opportunity for people from all walks of life. Ironic for a nation that grew up on - and is now stumbling in a number of ways without - extensive commuter rail service.
