We just don't see the wisdom in laying down a high-speed track from Oklahoma City to Tulsa — the most talked-about proposal on the rail lovers' wish list
NewsOK
The Oklahoman Editorial, Oklahoman / Published: July 14, 2010
A Tulsa World story about continued efforts to bring high-speed rail to Oklahoma noted that for some, the $2 million subsidy the state provides each year to keep the Heartland Flyer going "dampens the enthusiasm for expanding passenger service in the state."
Guilty as charged. But the Heartland Flyer subsidy is hardly our only objection.
We just don't see the wisdom in laying down a high-speed track from Oklahoma City to Tulsa — the most talked-about proposal on the rail lovers' wish list. It has been estimated that simply installing the track would cost about $2 billion. Add the cost of train cars, operations, etc., and the total soars.
Not to mention, the state already has high-speed access between the cities: the Turner Turnpike, where traveling at the posted 75 mph speed limit gets you passed all day long. But at least when you get to Tulsa, or to Oklahoma City, you have a way to get around the cities. That wouldn't be so if you took the bullet train... FULL ARTICLE
Posted on
Wed, July 14, 2010
by Crystal Drwenski