dependence on foreign oil, lowering harmful carbon emissions, fostering new economic development and giving travelers more choices when it comes to moving around the country," said the official.ĭespite these promises from the government, high-speed rail comes with its share of opponents, who say it is too expensive and won't save energy. "High-speed rail will also revolutionize the way Americans travel by reducing U.S. See where the proposed high-speed trains are going It will help create jobs and transform travel in America, according to a U.S. "High-speed rail in America is long overdue and President Obama understands we can't build the economy of the future on the transportation networks of the past," said Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph Szabo.įunded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, these new dollars represent a historic investment in the country's transportation infrastructure. The federal funding served as a down payment to develop the groundwork for 13 new high-speed rail corridors in the United States, including an Orlando-Tampa route. Soon, Americans might find themselves rocketing along ribbons of rails at 200 mph in sleek, painted passenger cars - never stopping until they arrive at destinations awake and refreshed. dependence on foreign oil, reduce climate-changing pollution and fatten wallets by triggering economic development. Panyanouvong said he loves the idea of jumping on a train, turning on his computer and getting some work done on his way to Tampa, "without having to worry about traffic or driving."īut the idea is much bigger than convenience, say supporters, who believe high-speed intercity rail will cut U.S. The Department of Transportation awarded $8 billion among 31 states to begin developing America's first nationwide high-speed intercity passenger rail service. But this year, Washington opened the door to what may be a historic turning point in regional travel. "I don't like missing lunch and I especially don't like getting stuck in traffic due to wandering farm animals or any other reason."įor generations, much of the nation has been forced to use cars, buses or pricey aircraft to travel to nearby cities. "I ended up missing lunch because of that cow," Panyanouvong said with a laugh.
Route 27 and Interstate 4.Ī cow had wandered past a fence onto the road, causing tie-ups and headaches. He recalls one day when - despite departing Orlando early to get a head start on a business trip - traffic and farm animals got the best of him near U.S.
"During heavy traffic it's taken me as long as 2.5 hours to get from Orlando to Tampa." It can feel like a parking lot at times," said Panyanouvong. "I have made this trip many times during peak hours for work and leisure. The attorney who regularly makes the 84-mile journey between Orlando and Tampa on Interstate 4 is ready for a solution. (CNN) - For a while now, crazy situations, hunger pangs and frustrating hours behind the wheel have been making life slightly miserable for Florida commuter Joe Panyanouvong. Supporters: Trains would cut pollution, stimulate economy.Opponents: High-speed rail is expensive, won't save energy.Washington awards $8 billion among 31 states to develop high-speed rail service.
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