The railroad should be an extension of the interstate highway system that allows all companies and individuals equal access.
If you believe in free trade you probably believe in free interstate commerce. Allowing a single company to take precedence over another because they own the road interferes in interstate commerce.
By building a rail system that isn't owned by any one company we remove a companies right to place a passenger train on a siding because they don't own the rails.
It also allows more shipping companies that are currently shipping via truck to compete directly with the current rail companies who own the tracks by buying their own trains and competing on an equal basis.
Two sets of rails would allow a train to pass another without requiring it be put on a siding.
Much of the right of way was originally public property, practically given away to the railway companies.
Much of it was paid for by taxes. . All companies should have equal access. Otherwise, the public is getting the shaft.
Comments (6)
we already have a government that is too big
What a copout that comment is. Consider, the interstate highway system allows all to use it to promote their own self interest. It was paid for by taxes. Then think of the Interstate rail system. Using public right of ways and usually on public lands and yet primarily for the use of a single dominant corporation. The railway system should be part of the interstate transportation system which includes rail and roads. All companies should have equal access. Otherwise, the public is getting the shaft.
This would also create thousands of jobs much like it did years ago when we decided to build highways and bridges after W.W.2 it put Americans back to work. This is a great idea.
I agree with this.
Much like the current Aviation system.
But the people and products that use they system must fund it completely through usage taxes.
All Roads should also be completely maintained and built with usage taxes.
Alstom Transport is a likely contender to build California high speed trains according to an article in "ON EARTH" magazine.
My old school friend and her husband worked for a transport company in Wellsville, NY when it was bought up by the French company Alstom. They bought it to destroy the competition and get a leg up in the American market who are yet to have high speed rail down the road.
Why can't we build high speed trains using American companies and parts? Re-tool the auto industry to do it.
We can do anything we set our minds to. Remember we did it in WWII? We built jeeps, jets, etc. in a short time. The will has to be there.
It is not "protectionism" since other countries look out for their corporations and jobs. Why are we so stupid? We used to make everything here and even ship it out. That is gone thanks to globalization and the quest by CEO to put profit above jobs, shareholders investments, and the community.
Look to America. The EU nations aren't caring about our jobs or future. They buy us up for their own profit. The WTO allows them to get a market edge above ours. We never win a case.
Forgot to mention that high speed rail company Alstrom is French (EU).