High Speed Rail Leaves Out Stop

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By WEEK Producer

Story Published: Jun 30, 2009 at 6:42 PM CDT

Story Updated: Jun 30, 2009 at 6:43 PM CDT

A new proposal for high–speed rail leaves out a local Amtrak stop.

But the $12 billion plan for ultra–fast train service between Chicago and St. Louis would cut travel times from the current five hours to around two.

It would run via Decatur, Champaign–Urbana and Springfield, not Bloomington–Normal.

Trains would zoom up to 220 mph. That's more than 100 mph faster than trains under a plan advocated by eight Midwestern governors.

Rail proponents welcomed the gubernatorial push for an upgraded network with Chicago as its hub.

But the comparatively modest proposal hasn't generated the kind of hoopla 220–mph train service would.

Tuesday's proposal is in a new study from the Midwest High Speed Rail Association.

Saturday, Jul 4 at 10:57 PM Nick wrote ...

This is just a study, and besides, most of this would come from the Federal government, not Illinois. This is something we need, this is something that Illinois should want, and should have.

Wednesday, Jul 1 at 1:21 PM sigh wrote ...

I agree withcalvin about the costs & debt. Plus just what we need is more car vs train accidents. 200 mph is just toofast

Wednesday, Jul 1 at 12:58 PM Reality wrote ...

It's potentially a good idea. I believe many people would utilize it over current methods (e.g. driving or flying), assuming it has a competitive price. Now if only that competitive price can be reached without subsidizing it ...

Tuesday, Jun 30 at 10:33 PM John wrote ...

This is just showing that Springfield doesn't have a grasp on reality. You can't spend money you don't have. Would they invest their personal money in the project?

Tuesday, Jun 30 at 8:50 PM Calvin wrote ...

Just what Illinois needs more debt. We are currently $12 Billion in the hole and we want to spend another $12 Billion for a none value added project. How about investing in an airplane that will do it in 15 minutes. That makes just about as much sense. What is the hurry, just do a better job of planning a visit.

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