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• A fancy Harvard economist “crunches the numbers” for high speed rail. His advice to America? “Don’t bother.” But, on closer examination, the whole exercise seems a tad hackish. Did you know, for instance, new airports and highways build themselves for free as long as we don’t get suckered into wasting money on rail? (NYT, Streetsblog, CAHSR)
• In the real world: An analysis finds that linking Sheffield, Leeds and London with a high speed line would bring $30 billion in benefits and would make all of northern England more economically competitive. (BBC)

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• A group in Colorado is working on a feasibility study for two high speed rail routes, one between Denver Int’l Airport and Vail and another between Ft Collins and Pueblo. Combined price tag: $20 billions. (Colo Independent)
• Editorial: Leaders at the federal level, including Ray LaHood, are jazzed about the HSR prospects in Florida. So why are all the nincompoops at the state level, including governor Charlie Crist, not doing anything? (St. Petersburg Times)
• A private group, ConnectUs, is stepping up to fill the leadership gap in Florida, raising money and organizing events with non-comatose pols like US Rep Kathy Castor to advance the cause of HSR investment in the Sunshine State. Sign their online pettion here. (St P Times)
• Doubters corner: In spite of big promises from Obama and others, the economic and job-creation potential of passenger rail will prove quite modest. Its advocates should really be focussing on freight rail. (Reason)
• Mustachioed charlatan Dr. Phil will be doing a very special show next month aboard an Acela train traveling between Philly and New York. He “will be speaking with Amtrak customers about everyday problems.” How does that make you feel? (Gawker)

Bizarre HSR-themed photo illustration via

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