Lets see this HSR boondoggle go into the ground. Save that money for serious issues affecting us now. Not for some 100+ billion high priced Choo choo train.

Infrastructure is a serious issue now. Upgrading Caltrain to be faster and more efficient makes it more attractive to commuters, reducing congestion on 101 and 280. A better Caltrain would make it possible for local tech companies to rely on public infrastructure instead of having to maintain massive private bus fleets for their employees to have reasonable transportation options to their offices. I would love to be able to get to LA without having to deal with fog delays at SFO, or take that long boring drive down 5 or the lovely-but-takes-forever drive down 1.

Having lived in countries with high-speed rail, I'm appalled that the US can't even manage to connect two world-class cities. I can't understand NIMBYs who are so afraid of change that they think that that basic infrastructure like high-speed rail is a boondoggle. Of course, with obviously slanted writing like this article, I suppose it's not surprising that people get swayed by anti-community and anti-progress agendas.

Infrastructure,

I'm in agreement with many of your points:

1. Infrastructure is a serious issue. The infrastructure that the US built 50 years ago and is directly responsible for enabling the growth and prosperity of this nation is aging, and needs to be updated for 21st century needs.

2. Upgrading Caltrans will improve service.

3. Having an alternate means of travel other than air is a desirable thing.

4. Being afraid of change and NIMBY are counterproductive, and not legitimate reasons for opposing anything.

But.......

You seemed to have conveniently left out rather significant points that though distasteful and uncomfortable to talk about, nevertheless ARE the 800lb gorillas in the room.....

5. ITS GOING TO COST $100+ BILLION DOLLARS........AND EXACTLY WHERE IS THAT MONEY GOING TO COME FROM TO FUND THIS PROJECT?

Bear in mind, initial estimates for public projects have a consistent track record of going way over budget, especially those that require years, or in this decades to finish....just look at the Bay Bridge as a prime example.

6. The history of rail projects in this country suggest that HSR will not be self-sustaining, or profitable, so the corollary to point number 5 is: EXACTLY WHERE IS THE MONEY TO SUSTAIN HSR FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE GOING TO COME FROM? Amtrak is a good indicator of non-profitability for intra-state passenger rail.

So in conclusion, you bring up excellent points.

Pity they aren't the most relevant or important ones that need to be addressed.

This is totally a waste of money... don't build it!