Last week, President Obama meet with U.S. Department of Tranportation officials for a photo-op for the 2,oooth highway project becoming funded for ARRA (stimulus) funds. While there, he gave a speech concerning high-speed rail and gave the following quote:
We also have to build a new foundation for our future growth. Today, our aging system of highways and byways, air routes, and rail lines is hindering that growth .... What we’re talking about is a vision for highspeed rail in America. Imagine boarding a train in the center of a city. No racing to an airport and across a terminal, no delays, no sitting on the tarmac, no lost luggage, no taking off your shoes. Imagine whisking through towns at speeds over 100 miles an hour, walking only a few steps to public transportation,and ending up just blocks from your destination. Imagine what a great project that would be to rebuild America.
Generally, I'd be all for high-speed rail. I think it's a great, convenient way to travel. I do think having centrally located rail stations in the middle of big cities would be helpful. However, I am concerned about safety and security. Am I reading too much into his line about "no taking off your shoes", or can I assume there is a lack of security preparations being made for these imagined high-speed rail stations?
