Thread: Booming China shows off its 220 mph train

HANGZHOU, China — China rolled out its fastest train yet on Tuesday and announced that the Three Gorges Dam, the world's biggest hydroelectric project, is now generating electricity at maximum capacity — engineering triumphs that signal the nation's growing ambitions as its economy booms.

The successes demonstrate how, after decades of acquiring technology from the west, Beijing has begun to push the limits of its new capabilities, setting the bar higher on mega-projects as it seeks to promote the image of a powerful, modern China. But many of these initiatives have come at great human and environmental cost, and some have questioned whether the country fosters a sufficiently innovative spirit to compete on the next level.

Still in the works: more nuclear power plants, a gargantuan project to pump river water from the fertile south to the arid north, and a $32.5 billion, 820-mile (1,300-kilometer) Beijing-to-Shanghai high-speed railway that is scheduled to open in 2012.

Booming China shows off its 220 mph train - World news - Asia-Pacific - China - msnbc.com

How many hi-speed trains do we have here in the U.S.?? Zero??

In how many different ways does our nation have to have it's ass kicked before we as a people stand up and do something about it??

For pete sake!! Look at the spending China is making for these projects?? And you wonder why they are booming??

Originally Posted by MajikMyst

In how many different ways does our nation have to have it's ass kicked before we as a people stand up and do something about it??

We're too busy with partisan politics and blaming the other party for all of the nation's problems to do anything like take a leadership position in advancing our nation.

Originally Posted by Divine Wind

We're too busy with partisan politics and blaming the other party for all of the nation's problems to do anything like take a leadership position in advancing our nation.

Exactly. I think physical brawls in the halls of congress are not too far in the future.

Originally Posted by Winn

Why is it every nation in the world seems to have these super fast trains... except the US?!

Trying to build some. But not too many 'murcans pay attention and the media would rather talk about a lot of nothing.



Transportation Expert Endorses Obama Rail Plan
Jan 28 2010

SANTA ROSA, CA - Post Carbon Institute Transportation Fellow Anthony Perl, endorses President Obama’s announcement of $8 billion in funding for a national high-speed rail system.

“The Obama administration's launch of a high-speed rail program is the most important transportation initiative that the U.S. has seen in my 47 year lifetime. The program opens the door to a post-carbon mobility future in ways that tinkering with vehicle fuel efficiency, auto emissions and 'intelligent' vehicle and highway designs can never accomplish,” says Perl, who recently met with Prince Charles to discuss ecological urban planning.

yay florida gets a highspeed rail. maybe.




Tampa Included in President Obama's High Speed Rail Plan


The President released a strategic plan outlining his vision for high speed rail in America. The plan identifies $8 billion provided in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and $1 billion a year for five years requested in the federal budget as a down payment to jump-start a potential world-class passenger rail system and sets the direction of transportation policy for the future. The strategic plan will be followed by detailed guidance for state and local applicants. By late summer, the Federal Railroad Administration will begin awarding the first round of grants.

Additional funding for long-term planning and development is expected from legislation authorizing federal surface transportation programs. The report formalizes the identification of ten high-speed rail corridors as potential recipients of federal funding. Those lines are: California, Pacific Northwest, South Central, Gulf Coast, Chicago Hub Network, Florida, Southeast, Keystone, Empire and Northern New England. Also, opportunities exist for the Northeast Corridor from Washington to Boston to compete for funds to improve the nation’s only existing high-speed rail service.

With a boost from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the Obama administration launched a competitive process to drive local communities to develop their high-speed rail potential. The President, Vice President and Secretary of Transportation are urging states and local communities to put together plans for a network of 100 mile to 600 mile corridors, which will compete for the federal dollars. The merit-driven process will result in federal grants as soon as late summer 2009.

President Obama's vision for high-speed rail mirrors that of President Eisenhower, the father of the Interstate highway system, which revolutionized the way Americans traveled. Now, high-speed rail has the potential to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil, lower harmful carbon emissions, foster new economic development and give travelers more choices when it comes to moving around the country.

"My high-speed rail proposal will lead to innovations that change the way we travel in America. We must start developing clean, energy-efficient transportation that will define our regions for centuries to come," said President Obama. "A major new high-speed rail line will generate many thousands of construction jobs over several years, as well as permanent jobs for rail employees and increased economic activity in the destinations these trains serve. High-speed rail is long-overdue, and this plan lets American travelers know that they are not doomed to a future of long lines at the airports or jammed cars on the highways."

"President Obama's vision of robust, high-speed rail service offers Americans the kind of travel options that throughout our history have contributed to economic growth and enhanced quality of life," said Secretary LaHood. "We simply can't build the economy of the future on the transportation networks of the past."

Originally Posted by Tedminator

Trying to build some. But not too many 'murcans pay attention and the media would rather talk about a lot of nothing.



Transportation Expert Endorses Obama Rail Plan
Jan 28 2010

SANTA ROSA, CA - Post Carbon Institute Transportation Fellow Anthony Perl, endorses President Obama’s announcement of $8 billion in funding for a national high-speed rail system.

“The Obama administration's launch of a high-speed rail program is the most important transportation initiative that the U.S. has seen in my 47 year lifetime. The program opens the door to a post-carbon mobility future in ways that tinkering with vehicle fuel efficiency, auto emissions and 'intelligent' vehicle and highway designs can never accomplish,” says Perl, who recently met with Prince Charles to discuss ecological urban planning.

If Obama is associated with it, you can forget it.

Originally Posted by TennesseeRain

If Obama is associated with it, you can forget it.

True.

On a side note, I expect to see a rise in discussions about the "220 Club" around Chinese office water coolers over the next few years.

Originally Posted by Winn

1 Billion per year is cheap! We spent 12 Billion per month in Iraq and Afghanistan for almost a decade. Are you telling me I could have had high speed trains instead?! :-)

And made money at it.