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Looming U.S. Battle on Fast Trains

Posted February 14, 2011 8:32 AM

From IEEE Spectrum:

In the U.S. budget proposal for the next fiscal year unveiled this week, the Obama administration is seeking $53 billion to promote development of fast train lines like those in Europe and Japan. "At least two projects—a proposed Tampa-to-Orlando route in Florida and a planned San Francisco-to-Los Angeles route—would allow trains to reach upward of 200 miles per hour, rivaling trains in Europe and Asia," as The Wall Street Journal noted in a report.

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Guru
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#1

Re: Looming U.S. Battle on Fast Trains

02/14/2011 2:32 PM

It seems that the Wall Street journal is a little careless in the use of its language. After all, how can a line from San Fransisco to Los Angeles rival lines in Europe and Asia? Complement them, maybe. The true rivals such a line would have are existing heavy rail, bus and air travel between those two points.

What else is inaccurate reading, one wonders?

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#2
In reply to #1

Re: Looming U.S. Battle on Fast Trains

02/15/2011 7:41 AM

I think they are using this definition found on dictionary.com (here) which lists at least 8 definitions:

a person or thing that is in a position to dispute another's preeminence or superiority

The implication is that some major European and Asian rail lines are viewed as being superior to others.

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#3
In reply to #2

Re: Looming U.S. Battle on Fast Trains

02/15/2011 12:40 PM

Ah! That would explain it. Status aspiration, rather than commercial competitor.

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#4
In reply to #3

Re: Looming U.S. Battle on Fast Trains

02/15/2011 1:26 PM

Exactly....there are many forms of competition.

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#5

Re: Looming U.S. Battle on Fast Trains

02/15/2011 1:50 PM

The use of language is fine. The "rivaling" in the article refers to the speed not the route.

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