Way back in 2009, the US Department of Transportation proposed a vision for an extensive high-speed rail system that “would safely, conveniently, and efficiently connect communities across America and create a foundation for economic growth in a more complex global economy, promote energy independence, improve safety and environmental quality, and foster livable communities.” Following that announcement, the Illinois Department of Transportation and University of Illinois jumped into the conversation and developed a report to examine the feasibility of a high-speed train from O’Hare to St. Louis.
More than 15 years later, we still don’t have a nationwide high-speed rail service, or an Illinois one. There are things happening in California, but it’s been slow-going and, thanks to having reality show stars playing the role of President and Transportation Secretary who are more interested in drama and retribution over expertise and providing public services, is facing the setback of having to proceed without federal funding.
In Illinois, there is a new bill circulating through the state house and senate that is restarting the conversation—sort of. This is not necessarily a bill about high speed rail, but it is proposing implementing hourly train service between Champaign and Chicago, as well as other frequently traveled destinations from the Chicago hub. The executive director of the High Speed Rail Alliance, Richard Harnish, says in Illinois Public Media’s article that this proposed bill is just about frequency not speed, but his organization is also continuing to explore a Chicago to St. Louis high speed connection. The bill is also not about funding, but rather it focuses on beginning the design process.
To be clear, cost and current infrastructure are not small problems. The 2009 study found “the total cost to construct the HSR system would range from $22 billion to $50 billion ($20 billion to $39 billion for segments within Illinois only), in 2012 dollars.” Increasing frequency would be very difficult with our current track system, meaning that building additional tracks would surely have to be considered. As Harnish states, “There’s really only one track in key sections…To get frequent service, you need at least two.”…