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Electrolink will happen sooner than you think
Author: Clem
Date: 09-06-2018 - 21:50
I don't think the connection with HSR is tenuous at all, nor is it long-term.
Consider:
1) The LA basin, despite having the most people and contributing the most taxes, has seen only tiny scraps of the $4.8 billion spent on the HSR endeavor so far. The region is overdue for its slice of that cake.
2) Blending HSR and regional rail on 100+ mph corridors is common elsewhere in the world and makes (some) sense in dense urban areas.
3) In less than four years, Caltrain will become the first operator in the Western US to demonstrate FRA-compatible and HSR-compatible modern electric high-capacity regional rail in actual everyday use.
4) Seeing it, not just reading about it, will make LA's establishment understand a few things that the US freight diesel commuter rail mindset is not capable of imagining.
5) The 2028 Olympics loom large as a deadline to make major rail transit improvements.
6) The I-5 corridor is not getting any less congested
7) Synonymouse is correct that there will be a vigorous swing of the political pendulum, resulting in a rebound of federal investment in rail, including California HSR.
Electrolink from Burbank to Anaheim (running through LA Union Station) is an obvious next step, and I think it will happen sooner than you think. This is one of those projects that is nothing today but will cut a ribbon in spring 2028.
Consider:
1) The LA basin, despite having the most people and contributing the most taxes, has seen only tiny scraps of the $4.8 billion spent on the HSR endeavor so far. The region is overdue for its slice of that cake.
2) Blending HSR and regional rail on 100+ mph corridors is common elsewhere in the world and makes (some) sense in dense urban areas.
3) In less than four years, Caltrain will become the first operator in the Western US to demonstrate FRA-compatible and HSR-compatible modern electric high-capacity regional rail in actual everyday use.
4) Seeing it, not just reading about it, will make LA's establishment understand a few things that the US freight diesel commuter rail mindset is not capable of imagining.
5) The 2028 Olympics loom large as a deadline to make major rail transit improvements.
6) The I-5 corridor is not getting any less congested
7) Synonymouse is correct that there will be a vigorous swing of the political pendulum, resulting in a rebound of federal investment in rail, including California HSR.
Electrolink from Burbank to Anaheim (running through LA Union Station) is an obvious next step, and I think it will happen sooner than you think. This is one of those projects that is nothing today but will cut a ribbon in spring 2028.
