i dont know that any effort will succeed in getting the people of America out of
their cars and airplanes. One idea that I've had for a long time now is for
cities with airports to initiate commuter or light rail that runs between the
airport and the amtrak station, if they have one. Most cities with major
airports do also have amtrak stations. so far the only cities I've found that
work this way are Portland, Oregon, and the D/FW metroplex. Portland's 'Trimet'
has a stop at the baggage claim of PDX, nearly inside the building. Trinity Rail
Express runs from the amtrak station in Ft Worth to the amtrak station in
Dallas. Halfway across there is a stop where you can catch a DART bus to DFW.
Salt Lake City is still working on their airport to downtown TRAX line, but its
not due to open until 2015. When I take amtrak from Temple to San Antonio, it
runs right behind the cargo ramp at the back of the airport. Why cant the train
stop there and have a van from the airport services come out and meet you? I
think its ideas like this that most people will get behind. I think most people
would be willing to ride the train for 3 or 4 hours to an airport, rather than
drive, AND not have to pay for parking. But I dont see too many folks signing on
for 3 or 4 days across the country. A concerted effort of local shortlines
directly to airports would be a better fit for this country than a nationwide
high speed system.