I'm glad both of you brought up the point about how our state and federal government subsidizes the trucking and vehicle industry, because that is so correct. Personally, I don't see the difference between putting funds towards building highways and subsidizing trains. All in all, you're subsidizing a form of transportation.

Rail has so many benefits...it's actually cheaper to haul freight via rail....you can put a huge load behind a train and send it one direction. Much cheaper than running several trucks across highways. Trains are safer...fewer accidents. Rain, snow, etc. don't stop trains.

I think the reason highway deaths aren't mentioned is because they're so common place, but Tom you are right...more people are killed on highways in one day than are killed in train accidents in an entire year.

Trains make complete sense. They're more efficient, they're safer, and they can be more convenient. Personally, hate always having to look for a parking place downtown. Wouldn't it be nice to catch a train at Penn Square Mall and have it drop me off at Union Station in downtown? That would be a lot less hassle than having to drive downtown, struggle with traffic, and then struggle to find a parking place.

Yeah, I guess I could use our bus system, but all one needs to do is look at a bus routemap and know how confusing that can be.