Wetlands - we're talking apples and oranges here. Total agreement on the right of way issue. But regardless of the right of way, I don't want a high speed train scaring away the birds - it has taken years for them to find their way back here. And without a right of way yet for the Pacheco route, they might be persuaded to avoid protected lands.
152 improvement - I'm possibly living in a fantasy world here, but I'm hoping that delivering the materials for the 152 section of rail will require better than a 1-lane winding country road. Most of 152 is freeway already, it's not so far-fetched a thing to hope for.
Mega-airports - I don't see how you get this. There are plenty of flights from SJ to LA already, but no rail (except the ever-delayed Coast Starlight).
The milk run issue is a matter of politics, not common sense. I'm all with you on the concept of an express not stopping at every station. I just have a hard time imagining the Japanese model (which I agree is brilliant) being adopted here. You can't pick up intermediate ridership if you don't stop at their station.
no subject
152 improvement - I'm possibly living in a fantasy world here, but I'm hoping that delivering the materials for the 152 section of rail will require better than a 1-lane winding country road. Most of 152 is freeway already, it's not so far-fetched a thing to hope for.
Mega-airports - I don't see how you get this. There are plenty of flights from SJ to LA already, but no rail (except the ever-delayed Coast Starlight).
The milk run issue is a matter of politics, not common sense. I'm all with you on the concept of an express not stopping at every station. I just have a hard time imagining the Japanese model (which I agree is brilliant) being adopted here. You can't pick up intermediate ridership if you don't stop at their station.