Nine Shifter D.P. Lubic turned me on to the real reason why there is opposition to high speed rail in California right now.
The LA Times did a poll and story on the opposition.
But as D.P. points out on the California High Speed Rail blog, two things:
1.Old people oppose rail in the poll, but young people favor rail.
2.Old people vote in far greater percentages than their numbers, while young people do not vote.
Here's the question: when today's boomers are in their 80s, and either experiencing a bloodbath on the highways as their driving ability plummets, OR not even able or allowed to drive at all, will these boomers regret not supporting passenger rail that would both extend their lifespan and increase the quality of their life? Old people feel free to respond!
I'm already in my 80s, I oppose rail, and my response is unprintable.
It's not a function of age. It's a matter of having a good "crap detector." That is to say, intelligence, critical faculties, and understanding the following principle:
"The most cynical interpretation of any political situation (such as the HSR project), is invariably the most accurate."
Posted by: Martin Engel | July 25, 2012 at 12:46 PM
The fact that Martin Engel lives right next to the Caltrain tracks in Menlo Park of course has nothing to do with his opposition to rail...
Posted by: Peter | July 25, 2012 at 08:53 PM
Although well into my 70's, I support high speed rail in California.
There are no guarantees that it will be successful, but the potential benefits far outweigh the risks.
My biggest regret is that I am unlikely to be around long enough to try it out.
Posted by: John Burrows | July 26, 2012 at 12:03 AM
I consider myself somewhere in the middle of the two groups in this poll. My question is, if the methodology of data collection skews the vote, what other method might provide more accurate information? I wonder what age the decision maker on conducting the poll was?
I'm Canadian and I also wonder if we are trying to predict a future based on our current circumstances. Who knows what our needs wil be in transporation. I am hoping to see less and less need for commuting!
Posted by: Sandy | July 26, 2012 at 07:27 AM
I'm from Nova Scotia, Canada. The small town I live in doesn't have public transportation other than taxi. There was a vote a few months ago about running some buses.
I thought it would be of particular interest to students and older people, but apparently there wasn't enough interest in it. But as you say, the younger people won't get out and vote. Perhaps if they did, it would have made a difference.
Posted by: Steve MacLellan | July 27, 2012 at 05:25 PM
Thanks to everyone for making this post one of the most talked about this year. I welcome all your comments.
Posted by: William Draves | July 30, 2012 at 10:44 AM