Federal Money Approved for Amtrak Route to Iowa City

[Anonymous]

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?template=zoom&Site=D2&Date=20101026&Category=NEWS&ArtNo=10260362&Ref=AR

 

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20101026/NEWS/10260362/Iowa-Chicago-trains-on-track-for-15

 

[midlifemalenurse]

Finally, after years of "t's going to happen," we are getting rail service between Iowa City and Chicago.  I am proud that our Iowa governor, Chet Culver, has worked hard to make this a reality.  Our Iowa City elected officials and Chamber of Commerce see passenger trains as nothing but positive.  The front page of the local newspaper today talked of plans to make these trains "Green" (environmentally sound).

While I totally support sound transportation alternatives in our future, I am dismayed by the many online responses to our local newspaper (and Iowa City is a progressive--I'd like to believe--college town).  People write:  1) this will be a tremendous waste of taxpayer money, $300 million a year and it will cost a family of four $400 to go to Chicago round-trip; 2) the Mega-Bus will take you there for $21 and it has wi-fi and movies; 3) this is only political grandstanding.  Others write it will only bring the bad elements from the big city to our small city, but that's ludicrous and not worthy of a reply.

I want to be a voice of rebuttal to the naysayers in our community.  I think passenger trains are an economic benefit, and as for the subsidies - do people think highways are cheap?  What is the cost to rebuild a mile of interstate?  Iowa has always been a "build more highways" state, but that's not so realistic, and we're struggling to maintain what we have.

Does anyone have suggestions for being an advocate of passenger rail and refuting the negative comments?  I will appreciate your help and support. 

Thank you - Michael, Iowa City, IA

[schlimm]

midlifemalenurse

Does anyone have suggestions for being an advocate of passenger rail and refuting the negative comments?  I will appreciate your help and support. 

Thank you - Michael, Iowa City, IA

In this forum you will find supporters and opponents of passenger rail service improvements, with many differing opinions.  Even on this thread you will see opinions on both sides, including accurate federal numbers on the costs to build interstate lanes.  Good luck in your efforts.