HB 26-09: Expansion of High Speed Rail and Mass Transit Act (Tabled)

[SevenEleven]

So...this is a rather ambitious bill. The goal is to create an enhanced transportation grid that will bring our nation closer than it's ever been before. There are probably some tweaks we will have to make so input is welcomed and appreciated.

The goal here is to reduce emissions while at the same time expanding what's possible for working people. A shorter commute. A house in the subrubs etc. A sufficient transit program enables our communities to be much stronger and more stable.

[SevenEleven]

Can we get some justification for this amendment before a decision is made?

[SevenEleven]

I mean, yes, theoretically the more train routes the better, but we do have a limited budget to work with. The initial proposal with West and East Coast lines seems like a good place to start. I trust the National Rail Authority to give their best determination of where else high speed rail lines are most needed.

Besides, it's about sixty miles from Bloomington to Springfield and is it really efficient for HSR stations to be in such close proximity to each other?

I agree with this. HSR lines should be about going the distance and we should tie regional transport to it. I'm not seeing any reason why a high speed train should stop in Bloomington of all places.

[SevenEleven]

With no response from Rep. Beeman, I have to declare the amendment unfriendly, though I still would appreciate a response as to why this change is being presented.

[SevenEleven]

Nay.

[SevenEleven]

Amendment is hostile

Very hostile. Madison County has less than 100k population. There is no need for HSR in Jackson, TN. We need to build an efficient transportation grid, not a pork barrel boondoggle.

[SevenEleven]

Amendment is hostile

Very hostile. Madison County has less than 100k population. There is no need for HSR in Jackson, TN. We need to build an efficient transportation grid, not a pork barrel boondoggle.

Mr. Speaker,

I think the people of Jackson, TN take offense by the gentleman of California's arbitrary determination about which towns deserve high speed rail and which don't.

Rural areas need transportation too. A station in Jackson, TN would also serve the surrounding rural areas, helping to cut down on traffic and provide a cheaper way to travel to larger cities and across the country.

In 2011, the Jackson-Humboldt Combined Statistical Area showed a population of over 165,000 citizens.

While that may not be the millions that the gentleman of California expects, rural areas don't have sprawling international airports nor do they receive air service by airlines to a variety of destinations like larger cities.

High speed rail would bring more travel options to rural areas. The rail is going to end up going near Jackson, TN anyways. Why not build a station there?

I yield.

Lesser expensive rail lines can fill that same purpose at a lower cost without disrupting the high-speed line's most efficient path.

[SevenEleven]

Choosing to live in a more rural or exurban area is a decision to value space over convenience. Instead of being able to walk one or two blocks to the store, you'll have to drive for ten minutes or more. Instead of living in a 1200 sq ft house you might sit on an acre or two. Likewise, people who choose to live in these areas will have to rely on drive and park or connecting rail lines. It's simply too costly to build a station everywhere people happen to live, no matter how few, and greatly reduced the efficient of the infrastructure in the process. These trains need to be faster and to do so, fewer stops must exist. Building HSR lines to barely populated areas is too costly and inefficient to be worth considering.

It's best to let the commission decide the most efficient routes through the middle of the country, following adequate planning and preparations.

[SevenEleven]

Nay.

[SevenEleven]

The amendment is hostile.

[SevenEleven]

Nay.l

[SevenEleven]

Nay.

[SevenEleven]

Uh, wow.

Motion to table.

[SevenEleven]

Uh, wow.

Motion to table.

Aye. Gonna give the benefit of the doubt here.

I wonder who you support for President because you attacked someone in Councilor Ninja's party for "destructive to the advancement of high speed rail", and your own Chair and someone who you endorsed supported in your own words, "destructive to the advancement of high speed rail".

This sort of politicking doesn't belong on the House floor, Ishan. You'll get to see my vote when I vote.

[SevenEleven]

Aye.