BOB R Wrote:
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> Meaning no disrespect to the train riders of the
> northwest, I wonder how the use of "high speed"
> rail money is served by, among other things, a
> seismic upgrade to an old station that will host
> no high speed rail vehicles.

I agree here. Same thing with Portland's Union Station. "High Speed Rail" money is being used to replace the roof (for what, the fifth time in ten years?)

Meanwhile ODOT is spending $36 million on two Talgo trainsets that won't even increase service or reliability...and the trains will spend almost all of their time in Washington state? (I believe the plan is that there will always be one "spare" set, and the other trainset that will be replaced will basically donate off its coaches and business class cars to the existing sets).

This is why I no longer support the endless spending on rail. It is not doing anything productive or meaningful except pay off consultants. The money needs to go to more/better service. Why must Amtrak stations be only housed in outdated, expensive "historic" buildings?...it is simply cheaper to build a new, purpose-built structure that is right-sized for the need. Portland's Union Station is horrible to be in during the summer, a madhouse during large crowds, and passenger amenities are spread out. If an airport were designed like Union Station is, there would be calls for its immediate destruction.