Oh sorry, my mistake. I missed the word "subterranean" in your post above. For such a kind of system your numbers might be realistic indeed, depending on the technology of course, but you will be probably better served with higher estimations than lower ones.

To clear my own position, I am highly skeptical towards a subterranean network, but a supporter for conventional (mostly above ground) high speed systems. Its my opinion that the US is in need for a serious approach in this direction. The single Acela corridor is half heartedly at best. (Even though it might be better than nothing)

Why, exactly, should I pay for somone else's transportation? Is there anything that individuals should have to provide for themselves anymore?

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I am more concerned with the intellectual environment

'Those who hammer their guns into plows will plow for those who do not.'

~ Thomas Jefferson

64,999,987 firearms owners killed no one yesterday.

You will be paying for something that will make stops in Phoenix Arizona.
America must eventually construct this High speed subteranean network,let us start now, why are the Europeans always ahead of us on these advanced,
environmentally freindly projects?!?,how many times have any of you people gone to the Airport during a winter month, and learned that your flight was cancelled due to snow or icy conditions?.This Subteranean network will be weather proof.Year round travel,no more cancellations due to bad weather!!.

Here is some info about how the Swiss are way ahead of America ,with regards to constructing a truly functional advanced subteranean rail network. go to or google www.swissmetro.com

Why should it be someone elses transportation? It's your transportation as well. The fact that more than one person will be sitting in the trains doesn't change that.

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Well, ask your government why it pays with your money for highway constructions etc.

Do you have any clue as to how many seismic events occur in this country? Bad weather may delay a few flights, but a good earthquake would collapse that little tunnel. What happens in case of a power outage while the train is going between Phoenix and Houston? A crash or derailment? Subterranean causes far more problems than you seem to realize.

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I am more concerned with the intellectual environment

'Those who hammer their guns into plows will plow for those who do not.'

~ Thomas Jefferson

64,999,987 firearms owners killed no one yesterday.

Will I get to put my own train on the tracks whenever I want? Will this rail line give me more personal freedom than it will take away?

I may have to pay for the roads, but I don't have to pay for other people's cars, drivers and gas.

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I am more concerned with the intellectual environment

'Those who hammer their guns into plows will plow for those who do not.'

~ Thomas Jefferson

64,999,987 firearms owners killed no one yesterday.

Great, when I ride it I will pay my way. Just like an airplane ticket. Privatize it and make the riders support the endeavor. Let the marked decide if it is worth the cost.

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I am more concerned with the intellectual environment

'Those who hammer their guns into plows will plow for those who do not.'

~ Thomas Jefferson

64,999,987 firearms owners killed no one yesterday.

Ever heard of the ethanol from corn subsidies? Ever heard of government-owned cars? Here is an interesting statistic about car/truck registrations, also by the US government. Obviously most politicians have some sort of a personal driver. And let me not even get started about through your vast military funding and action you drive up oil price by heating up the conflict in the ME - that's even a double-whammy, first you pay for the military costs and then you pay for it at the pump. You can't be serious? You pay for all the stuff you wrote above on a daily basis, where's the problem with actually investing the money in areas where the public will actually benefit from it?

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