Jan 3, 2008
U.S. population growth defies the arguments put forth by Amtrak opponents
The enemies of Amtrak are constantly arguing that the United States is different from Europe, that we do not possess the population density that would make a widespread rail system sensible. They are apparently unaware of recent demographic trends resulting in a nation of 303,152,000 people, of which the vast majority are concentrated in the eastern half of the country, along the southernmost strip of the "sunbelt," and along the west coast. In these areas, a use of train transportation is just as sensible and feasible as anywhere in Europe.
Take out a map of the United States. Starting at the northernmost tip of the mid-west, draw a somewhat jagged north/south line starting at Duluth, Minnesota, and then proceeding downwards through Minneapolis, Des Moines, Omaha, Kansas City, Joplin, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Fort Worth, Austin and San Antonio. Everything to the east of that line -- nearly half the United States -- is a place of intense population density growing "thicker" by the day.
Now add to that vast swath of the United States the southernmost area of the sunbelt, going across the bottom of the U.S. to San Diego, and then up the entire west coast to Seattle. That, too, is a place of population density that can well support an efficient rail system.
Recently, the National Association of Railroad Passengers, which has fought for 40 years to extend and expand the Amtrak system, published a map showing the railroad routes that it would add to the present inadequate network of passenger tracks. The web of rail lines that resulted are found in the population-dense areas I have just described. If these new routes were to be built for high-speed rail, we would have something close to an adequate rail system, and would not have to cram the airports of our country with anxious passengers sweating out the delays and cancellations that now afflict our air traffic. We would restore a decent quality of travel life -- and greatly improve our own lives. And we would do this for a fraction of the money we now spend on extending highways.
Several members of Congress -- members of both the House and Senate -- currently delight in proposing an elimination of funding for Amtrak. Let's make them aware that we know who they are -- and that we're coming after them.
Write and read comments about this post.
Take out a map of the United States. Starting at the northernmost tip of the mid-west, draw a somewhat jagged north/south line starting at Duluth, Minnesota, and then proceeding downwards through Minneapolis, Des Moines, Omaha, Kansas City, Joplin, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Fort Worth, Austin and San Antonio. Everything to the east of that line -- nearly half the United States -- is a place of intense population density growing "thicker" by the day.
Now add to that vast swath of the United States the southernmost area of the sunbelt, going across the bottom of the U.S. to San Diego, and then up the entire west coast to Seattle. That, too, is a place of population density that can well support an efficient rail system.
Recently, the National Association of Railroad Passengers, which has fought for 40 years to extend and expand the Amtrak system, published a map showing the railroad routes that it would add to the present inadequate network of passenger tracks. The web of rail lines that resulted are found in the population-dense areas I have just described. If these new routes were to be built for high-speed rail, we would have something close to an adequate rail system, and would not have to cram the airports of our country with anxious passengers sweating out the delays and cancellations that now afflict our air traffic. We would restore a decent quality of travel life -- and greatly improve our own lives. And we would do this for a fraction of the money we now spend on extending highways.
Several members of Congress -- members of both the House and Senate -- currently delight in proposing an elimination of funding for Amtrak. Let's make them aware that we know who they are -- and that we're coming after them.
Write and read comments about this post.
Fifty years ago, 
Arthur Frommer is generally acknowledged to be the nation's foremost travel authority. He is the founder of the
