I think the HSR "promototers" have missed the basic concept of why HSR succesfully exists in other countries.

1. The governments have long supported a public transportation system.
2. There are enough residents of those countries have a desire to use public transportation, in part due to high fuel costs. (vs. an illicit relationship with their private vehicle)
3. HSR was built to supplement exisitng passenger rail systems that were approaching or at capacity.

While I believe their will be a demand for HSR in the US in the near future - the bottom line is we aren't even willing to expand and improve existing service to their full potential first.

I think the present form of HSR is primarily serving the interests of consultants, promoters, politicians and snake oil salesman.

After California has double tracked the entire LA-San Diego corridor; has three trains a day up the oast; and a couple trains a day to Vegas and beyond - then let's talk about HSR.

Just my 2 cents - versus their (our tax) billions?