60 years ago the interstates were considered a "boondoggle".
Do you really think commuters, et al., that would ride a high speed rail would take a bus? Any idea how long it takes Greyhound to go from Point A to Point B?
Chris Christie is an idiot. After Scott made his announcement, the congressional delegation from New Jersey was the first out there to say "Give it to us, we'll take it!" I'm sure many other states will follow.
I don't know where you got that the interstate was considered a boondoggle. Of course it's outside our living memories, but I kind of doubt it.
I don't think commuters are going to be riding high speed rail at all. There are just not enough people commuting from Orlando to Tampa and visa versa to make the project worthwhile. It is budget candy. It's high tech and shiny and more of a tourist attraction than something that would actually be useful, and I just don't think there would be enough ridership to even break even.
The problem with the federal money is that it's just bait. If the feds were picking up the entire cost of construction and maintence, I could see Scott taking it, but not when Florida taxpayers will eventually wind up with the bill that we can't pay.
It's a boondoggle because unlike the interstate, there is no real economic need to the finished project, but a lot of expenses associated with it.
