52% of California voters said yes to a proposition that helps fund a $45 billion “bullet train” between Orange County in the south to the San Francisco Bay Area.
This was a closely watched vote by transportation advocates nationwide because, if built, it will be the first project of its kind in America.
While driving (alone) down to a conference in Eugene a few weeks ago, I wondered why there was no such service from Portland to points south. Amtrak’s got their Cascade Corridor, but at 2.5 hours (if it’s on time) and $26.00 for a ticket, it’s hardly a competitive option.
California’s bullet train is expected to go 220 mph and be a substitute for airplane travel.
With a $45 billion price tag, and with far from an overwhelming mandate at 52% of the votes, this project is far from being built. But still, this vote is very encouraging as we enter a new era of thinking about our nation’s transportation system.
What do you say Oregon? Wouldn’t it be great to have a bullet train running alongside I-5 (especially if you could stash a bike in the luggage bin)?
— Learn more about Prop 1A at Streetsblog LA.