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Obama: We Need High-Speed Rail, Fast

System would fight congestion, save energy, clean air: Prez

By the Associated Press

Posted Apr 16, 2009 9:47 AM CDT

(AP) – President Obama is calling for the country to move swiftly to a system of high-speed rail travel, saying it will relieve congestion, help clean the air, and save on energy. "This is not some fanciful, pie-in-the-sky vision of the future. It's happening now," he said today in Washington. "The problem is, it's happening elsewhere"—in Asia and Europe

Appearing with Joe Biden and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, Obama said the country cannot afford not to invest in a major upgrade of the existing rail system. He said he understands it necessarily will be "a long-term project" but said the time to start is now.

President Barack Obama makes remarks about the tax code, Wednesday, April 15, 2009, in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House campus in Washington.
President Barack Obama makes remarks about the tax code, Wednesday, April 15, 2009, in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House campus in Washington.   (Gerald Herbert)
President Obama, followed by Joe Biden, center, and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, arrives today on the White House campus to speak on expanding the high speed rail system.
President Obama, followed by Joe Biden, center, and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, arrives today on the White House campus to speak on expanding the high speed rail system.   (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
In this Feb. 20, 2007, file photo, the Capitol Limited Amtrak train arrives in Washington from Chicago.
In this Feb. 20, 2007, file photo, the Capitol Limited Amtrak train arrives in Washington from Chicago.   (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 8 comments
skylinesandsunsets
Apr 16, 2009 9:47 AM CDT
I've lived in Japan, where they have the world famous "bullet train" system. Their "JR" railway system allows me to go from small town to big metropolis without the use of a car. I'd love to see something like that here in the States.
paul123
Apr 16, 2009 7:34 AM CDT
once a bill passes, it will be years to complete im sure
paul123
Apr 16, 2009 7:33 AM CDT
I think it would be neat, but probably it would be just like the big city subways in NY, London, Chicago, etc....everybody keeping to themselves for the most part.

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