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holograham is correct.

The USA does not need a high-speed rail system. The interstate system and airport network is sufficient. Between high trafficked short-distance corridors? Fine.

What the USA needs is modern commuter rail supported by a network of private short-trip mini-buses. This would have the most significant impact for lowest cost.

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Commuter rail is also a much smaller, cheaper target to reach for. And it would have a much greater impact on the quality of life in urban and suburban areas.

However, the barriers to commuter rail in much of the country are stupid and entrenched. In Raliegh, NC, the main barrier to commuter rail is a county commissioner who believes in some absurd conspiracy theories [1].

[1] http://www.carolinajournal.com/exclusives/display_exclusive....

And rail can be maglev, monorail, hyperloop - whatever is the most economical. As long as terminals are supported by frequent ground transit to fill the gap.

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