The US has a construction cost problem. The Big Dig cost $24B. East Side Access cost $12B. Gateway Program will cost $30B, and every time you blink the cost goes up. It’s a miracle we actually build anything.
yes, and it's dismaying to say the least. we also do high-speed rail to nowhere for political not civic aims. ~85% of californians live near the coast, and/or wants to visit the coast, and we put rail through the central valley. even worse, the service is not going to be cost/time competitive with flying, not only because of the route but also inflated real estate and construction costs lining the pockets of all the favored rentiers with hats in hand.