High-speed rail is a great idea! How could anyone deny the unmistakable benefits that high-speed rail could bring to California? Moving huge amounts of people, in a cost-effective way, is a wonderful idea. Getting thousands of commuters off the streets and highways would undeniably be a good thing. Reducing our dependence on fossil fuels will not only help lead us towards energy independence, but will also demonstrate environmental benefits for our current and future generations. Who in their right mind would object to such grand, well-intentioned ideals as clean air, less traffic congestion, and greater fuel efficiency? The answer is none. Here in the state of California, in the midst of the 2008 election, citizens voted to pass a $10 billion bond measure based primarily on the arguments listed above. The total cost was initially estimated to be around $38 billion, with the balance after the initial $10 billion coming from private investment and the federal government. Since 2008, several factors have changed, and while the initial benefits are still desirable, our ability to achieve them cost-effectively has been called into question. The costs of such a project have skyrocketed and the actual cost-benefit ratio has shrunk significantly. Presumed private financing figures changed dramatically, and the federal government found itself in a deficit/money crisis. Upon closer inspection, the initial ridership numbers do not appear to be accurate, as Californian culture does not appear to be ready for the change that would be necessary to make such a project feasible. Additionally, travel times appear to be slower than alternative forms of transportation that currently exist....... middle of paper ......inated.Works citedHuffington Post. Huffington Post Business. 27 Oct 2009. 30 March 2012. Fondazione della Ragione. The CHSRP: Due Diligence Report. September 1, 2008. April 1, 2012 .South West Airlines. Do you want to escape? April 4, 2012. April 4, 2012 .University of California, Berkely. UC Berkely News Center. July 1, 2010. March 30, 2012 .U.S. Department of Transportation. Numbers of registered drivers. January 1, 2008. March 30 2012 .