With sparkles of the European TGV system glittering, hopes that we'd soon be able to hop onto a high speed rail link (proposed last year) between Montreal and Boston or New York seem to have fallen into limbo. With the hours that travelers now need to spend in flying between these destinations, the idea of a mere three or four hour ride by train couldn't be more appealing.
But alas, there are many factors at play and the stars will have to align perfectly in order for this to become a reality. The principal factor at play is the new track that would be required. These high speed trains require that an entirely new track be laid and for that to happen, each and every US state through which the train will pass has to secure its own funding.
The Obama administration has already earmarked millions for upgrading rail transit, but it does not appear that the peanut butter has been evenly spread on the bread. New York seems to have secured the lion's share of the appropriation, but, for example, Connecticut has been almost locked out of any funding whatsoever.
All this to say, that until the lobbyists get their acts together and speak as one voice, to one end - including the Canadians who'll have to pony up for the 100-or-so Km of track to the border, this project is going to remain on the nice to have list.
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