Thanks very much for those comments. I had never pondered the implications of VHS trains for the US, and I think you've laid them out quite cogently.

Of course, I have never heard development of a VHS train system in the US even mentioned, in any context, including the reduction of oil imports and/or lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Correct me if I'm wrong: maybe some public interest groups talk about it? But of course they would be completely out-lobbied.

I was always struck by the right of way of the Pennsylvania Rail Road, with its extensive tunnels, being given over to the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Technology and society March forward!

A bomb, H bomb, Minuteman / The names get more attractive / The decisions are made by NATO / The press call it British opinion -- The Three Johns