China is way in front of the bumbling U.S. when it comes to building high speed rail.

I have traveled by train since I was
3 years old. A once efficient, cost
effective way to travel with your
family was lost years ago. We will
always travel by train first, even
using Amtrak, as that is all we have.

The Obama administration could
create a vast number of new jobs by
commiting to high speed rail service
and making badly needed upgrades to
Amtrak. This is one of the few places I
think the government can and should
invest into heavily. If Amtrak got just
25% of the subsidies given to the airline
industry and highways it would be a
much different story.

Instead Obama and company continue
to throw away money on entitlements
and special favors to 'specials' states.

Do we want to be headed here?

Train head on collison

Or into the future with train travel?


Is China’s investment in high-speed rail moving too fast? Cleantech Group

Tip of the mug to China Confidential.

Is China’s investment in high-speed rail moving too fast?


December 22, 2009
The Chinese Ministry of Railways moves forward on it energy saving investment in transportation, but experts are questioning if it’s the right use of funds.

China is investing $292.9 billion in a nationwide high-speed, energy efficient rail network for passengers that some are questioning could be too big of an investment that’s moving ahead too quickly, The International Herald Tribune reported in tomorrow’s edition.

What’s going to suffer in the meantime?

Michael Pettis, former head of emerging markets with Bear Stearns, questioned whether the time savings from the new system was worth the cost, and suggested upgrades to China’s health care system could be delayed as its government stays centered on public works.

The rail network is expected to be expanded by one third, to 16,000 kilometers (10,000 miles) by 2020.

In September, Berlin, Germany-based Bombardier Transportation said its Chinese joint venture was chosen by the Chinese Ministry of Railways to supply 80 high-speed trains, which incorporate energy efficient technology, to China’s high-speed rail network. Bombardier is expected to take a share of the RMB 27.4 billion ($4 billion) project that’s valued at RMB 13.5 billion ($2 billion) (see Bombardier wins $2B contract for high-speed trains in China).

Germany's Siemens and its Chinese partners were also awarded a $1.08 billion order earlier this year for 100 trains as part of the system.

Another potential problem one economic expert pointed out in the article is that most Chinese passengers may not be willing to pay the premium ticket fare to ride on the fast, energy efficient trains.

However, the Chinese Ministry of Railways claimed a two-track bullet system is more economical because it can transport 160 million passengers annually, compared to 80 million on a four-lane highway.


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