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[quote user="henry6"] I see about 60 have viewed this post but none have commented.  I got Stan's report and was quite amazed that a lot of things I have preached or ranted over are covered.  The need for regionalized, intermodal, interfacing systems is an important need for the future.  What he doesn't say is what others have said about now being the time to make the investment and plans for the next 10 to 100 years and not just talk about it. [/quote] Who is Stan?  What are his credentials?  Is he a recognized expert or a self appointed one?   Clearly, improving transport integration in the United States is desirable, although I would argue, based on my observations, that it is integrated much better than many people seem to think.  For example, Hunt trucking and the BNSF teamed up a long time ago to optimize the benefits of trucks where they provide a better service and trains where they provide a better service. It is all well and good to dream about some far off future.  Unfortunately, as is the case with the California High Speed Rail Project, most of the dreamers don't have a clue about how to pay for it.  So my question for Stan, as well as others, is this:  How is a nation that is $15 trillion in debt at the federal level, with another $2.5 trillion at the state and local level, not to mention unfunded liabilities of approximately $58 trillion going to pay for the vision?  Clearly, the private markets are not going to float the boat, especially for high speed rai, whatever that means, or a wild eyed integration model that is not sustainable in the market place.   Unfortunately, too many people, when they realize that the capital markets won't support their dream, look to the government (taxpayers) to lift their dream.  Sometimes doing so is justified, but many times it is pouring money down the drain.
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