Letters Part 2: High-speed rail a positive cash drain?

In an earlier post, I shared this brilliant thought:

“I lean toward investment in high-speed rail along the Windsor - Quebec City corridor (at least) in order to get people and freight out of cars (usually with a lone occupant) and large trucks (usually the size of a small nation), but, I believe timing is everything.”


I then asked this riveting question:

“And when is the best time for Ontarians to invest in high-speed rail, I ask?”

Here’s my answer:

It’s the same time you invest in planting a tree -- 40 years ago.

Now, it’s clearly understandable why, 40 years ago, tree planting efforts were not made to insure healthy numbers today or a sustainable supply.


["What a beaut!": photo link]

One, we had lots of trees in Canada. (We actually had so many we couldn’t see the forest).

Two, more money could be made cutting them down.

For some of the same reasons we don’t have high-speed rail now and it will be a fight to have it in the near future.

One, we have lots of relatively cheap fuel in Canada - at this moment, and the next one (which is as far ahead as we usually think or plan).

Two, governments at all levels have accommodated the automobile and highway systems for decades. When we wake up in the morning our legs now take us to the driveway, not the bicycle, bus stop or train station.

If one thinks with the long-term in mind, high-speed rail is a sound investment (think of it as a mortgage) and could be supported at present by such things as gasoline taxes, road tolls and car licensing fees.

Sure, we’ll complain about taxes and fees until fuel is $3 - 4 per liter and until we wish we could get to Toronto more conveniently -- but our grandchildren will thank us.

Now, let’s go plant a shade tree.

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Would you support some gas tax going toward high-speed rail?

Road tolls? Higher licensing fees for your SUV?

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