The Daily Dig - High Speed Rail Edition

• America’s future belongs to “economic mega regions,” argues Richard Florida — and high speed rail will be key in tying those together. (Atlantic)
• Expect urban property booms in high speed rail hubs, but also in smaller towns along the routes. In LA, real estate popped 78% after station locations were announced. (Forbes)
• The costs of building a high speed rail system in the US will be “daunting,” and will require an attitude shift among Americans about taxes and spending. (Guardian)
• How about building an Atlanta to Chattanooga mag-lev line? It would relieve congestion at Atlanta’s airport, shorten the trip to under and hour, and cost a mere $5 billion. (Tennessean)
• Congressman Mark Schauer hopes to be the man who makes HSR in Michigan a reality. (Mich Messenger)
• Hard questions are being asked about the proposed SoCal-to-Vegas HSR link. For instance, does it make sense to have Victorville as a terminus? And would this be a good place to roll out maglev technology in the US? (Las Vegas Sun)
• NIMBYism threatens California’s ambitious high speed rail plan. Here’s a consideration of some of the local arguments against the proposal and reasons why they don’t ultimately hold up under scrutiny. (CAHSR blog)
• http://cahsr.blogspot.com/2009/05/big-picture-on-peninsula-hsr-battle.htmlDoubters’ corner: If HSR actually saved energy or reduced emissions it would be a worthy investment — but it does neither. (Cleveland Plain Dealer)
• There’s a “connection” between the “tea party” movement and high speed rail. (Chicago Daily Herald)
• The world’s snazziest high speed trains - a slideshow. (Business Insider)

Image: Business Insider