Erik H. Wrote:
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> ... We have planners planning
> for HSR in corridors with little overhead air
> traffic (i.e. Portland-Eugene) - they will be
> sadly surprised when the traffic volumes don't
> materialize (because nobody wants to travel
> between those two points today, as evidenced by
> the lack of traffic on I-5, the lack of flights,
> and the lack of Greyhound buses).

I would generally concur with your statements, but unless things have changed in the six months or so since I traveled I-5 between Portland and Eugene, I certainly wouldn't concur about the "lack of traffic".

Still trains or no trains, HSR or not, I don't think I-5's traffic levels and congestion will be affected much.

With the Casacades service between Seattle and Portland, I-5 along much of that route is a nightmare many times of the week. I'd venture to say it won't get noticeably better when the additional trains start running. I.e. average Joe on the slog, won't be saying "Gee, sure is great they added trains, traffic is way better!"