To the editor: It’s laborious to imagine that the state of California continues to assist this dismal high-speed rail failure. (“Newsom and state leaders stress high-speed rail progress amid new challenges,” Jan. 7)
Gov. Gavin Newsom “disapproves of the criticism.” He says, “We are able to’t return. We simply have to just accept the duty of the place we’re.”
The place we’re? You imply constructing a ineffective stretch of rail to serve the Central Valley? You imply persevering with to assist a undertaking that may value $100 billion greater than initially estimated? You imply losing taxpayer {dollars} so you’ll be able to crow about “hundreds of jobs the undertaking has offered”?
You possibly can return, Gov. Newsom. Right here’s how: Abandon that foolish, wasteful white elephant, and convert the viaducts which were constructed for use by vans that transfer items and produce. Flip these staff unfastened on rebuilding our roadways or establishing reservoirs.
Jerrold Coleman, Santa Clarita
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To the editor: California high-speed rail is a gigantic and technically bold undertaking that may assist the state meet its local weather targets. It would present a clear various to driving and flying and assist cut back site visitors at our overburdened roads and airports. The system can even hyperlink the state collectively in ways in which shall be economically helpful for generations to come back.
As Los Angeles burns, critics of high-speed rail double down on fossil fuels. Their shortsightedness will solely make these disastrous wildfires much more intense and frequent sooner or later.
Now shouldn’t be the time to tug again from high-speed rail. As a substitute, it’s time to push ahead with much more urgency and full this transformative undertaking.
Donald Flaherty, Los Angeles
