Kerrys solution for a pitifully failing rail system

Author: Jared Fallon

America’s passenger rail system is failing. For such a vast nation that can be considered the Saudi Arabia of coal potential, it is surprising that the “largest and most technologically powerful economy” in the world has dreadfully fallen behind nearly all of the world’s most advanced economies. It is far too common to find questions similar to freelance writer Ben Jervey’s: “Europe and Asia have figured it out, so why is the American rail system still so unspeakably awful?” Despite the fact that gas prices are at an amazingly low point, most experts agree that this is most likely the last time Americans will see such prices.  Senator John Kerry (D-MA) believes he is about to start a revolution for change – a long-time-needed proposal known as S.3700.

According to Kerry, there are a host of problems that need to be addressed. The most immediate is lost efficiency due to widespread highway congestion. According to his findings, this “…congestion, which is increasing every year, annually costs our Nation’s economy $78,000,000,000, 2,900,000,000 gallons of wasted fuel, and 4,200,000,000 lost hours of productivity.” When considering that many EU nations spend nearly 20 times more than the US on intercity rail, one should question why policymakers wouldn’t wish to address such a massive structural imbalance. Kerry considers the environment to be the other most significant reason for change.

“Rail travel could potentially reduce the effect of greenhouse gas emissions generated by travel between cities that are between 100 and 500 miles apart… by 80 percent with airplanes…and by 21 percent compared with automobiles.” Additionally, railroad systems are statistically less dangerous in terms of fatalities than automobiles – estimates claim railway use to be as much as 96% percent safer. After reviewing said findings in S.3700, most Americans would be hard put to offer quality arguments against such a proposal.

Kerry seeks to establish the “Office of High Speed Passenger Rail”, which would reside under the Federal Railroad Administration. The office would be responsible for consulting with the Secretary of Transportation to determine the financing of such a large proposal. Despite the fact that Kerry’s proposal is extremely vague (i.e. lack of specified location, guarantee of technological standards) the Massachusetts Senator wishes to maintain two hefty spending limits: $10 billion for “super high-speed intercity rail facility bonds” and $5.4 billion for “rail infrastructure bonds” – leaning on a multi-faceted strategy of utilizing free market innovation and government panel findings. To review the specific provisions, follow this link.

Yes, these numbers are extremely high – especially as America is facing the worst unemployment numbers in nearly three decades, but drastic problems call for drastic solutions. America’s railway system will need to be addressed sooner rather than later, and would most beneficially be addressed before fuel prices spike once again and being to create financial panic among such an automobile-dependent nation.  Even though Americans have never been too fond of public transport, an updated, technologically advanced, and dedicated railway system would not only help provide a stronger American infrastructural backbone, but would also produce many short term benefits in terms of American productivity and air quality.