Huffington has apparently not noticed, nor has anyone else, that "integrating" the system with existing suburban lines at each end will mollify opposition to the project and make it more affordable, but will also slow it down. The intercity trains will be less intrusive because they will run at closer to commuter train speed. Sooner or later, someone is going to ask whether, in that case, the sacred 2:36 is still attainable. About that time, someone will ask why the 2:36 is sacred anyway.

And it's all very well to needle the "mouse," but I still wonder why it's important to provide rail service to 1 million people while denying it to 5 million.