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$11 billion later, high speed rail in US drags along

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[quote user="blue streak 1"] Why does Amtrak need a 90 minute schedule between New York and Washington?  It already has the lion’s share of the air/rail market between these two cities.  With an average speed of 100 mph, an Acela could cover the distance in 2 hours and 15 minutes, which is a half hour less than the current best schedule.  The current route probably could be upgraded to a point where an average speed of 100 mph is feasible without breaking the piggy bank.  And it would clearly be more cost effective than building a new railroad through the crowded northeast and Middle Atlantic States. A two hour schedule would probably not only clear the air routes but entice many auto & bus passengers ? + also entice many of the Providence - Baltimore travelers as well. It is not IMHO the high speed that will win passengers but the removing of slow sections to allow for an 120 MPH average speeds. The NYP - BOS route is another matter as the curves do not allow for higher speeds. The only thing on that section can improve is a few bridges. [/quote] Perhaps the best outcome for the NEC is to continue to upgrade and improve the existing route as opposed to building a new, high speed railroad.  Day lighting the tunnels in Baltimore, upgrading the bridges, improving the access to NYC, and straightening out some of the curves may be the most cost effective way to get a desired outcome. I doubt that the air routes are going to be cleared by rail in the NEC.  For someone living on Long Island or in Hartford and traveling to Baltimore or Washington, flying is likely to be a better option.   I don't want any commercial carrier to have a monopoly on any route anywhere. Once they get it, they can dictate prices and service levels without being responsive to their existing and potential customers.  Amtrak would be no different than any other monopoly.  I want choice wherever possible.
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