Someday...High Speed Rail.

At least that's what an ever-growing list of proponents want to believe. The Valley, especially, has a major stake in this endeavor. Bullet Trains have the potential to add an airport-like transportation station to any city with a stop, connecting it to the major cities of the state.

One problem is the number of plans bandied about on how to build high speed rail systems. These range from where to route the tracks to what technology should be used for the trains.

Most assuredly, Anaheim/Disneyland will get a station, as a major destination within the state. From there, Los Angeles downtown seems likely, and then to get up north to the Bay Area, the tracks will go into the Valley. Fresno has a prime location, making it a shoo in for a station. The possible economic boom by being connected to the Bay Area and LA are big for places like Fresno, Merced, Modesto, and so on.

This article is focusing on the Sacramento region, and how important high speed rail could be to the Capital City. Sacramento is left out in current plans for the system, which will likely dive into the Bay Area by crossing at the Alta Mont Pass or possibly up the peninsula. Sacramento would be left out, for now. Extensions would be built after the system is in place to Sacramento and San Diego.

Yesterday's article about light rail and the prohibitive costs are minuscule compared to the cutting edge technology of bullet trains. The system might cost billions, but many proponents believe it could be self supporting, with airport-like ticketing. Even airlines have supported this possible competitor, saying that at some point airports will become too congested and alternative transportation options would could alleviate the jams.

If there is going to be a high speed system in California, it makes sense to link the capital. Someday, it can be built, but at a high price.

Labels: bullet trains, California Central Valley, Fresno, high speed rail, Merced, Modesto, Sacramento