The way gas prices continue to soar upwards of $2.50 a gallon, it’s a relief to hear that mass transit might be making a comeback. While my immediate reaction to the news of a high-speed rail coming through the region begged the questions, ‘who’s going to ride it?’ and ‘why do we need something like this now?’ the answers to those inquiries become more evident each and every day. First of all, the area could greatly benefit from having a high-speed rail from Madison, through La Crosse, Wis., and Rochester, Minn., and on up to the Twin Cities. Not only does public transit help build an economy, it also cuts down on pollutants and can be an asset to those who live on a tight budget.
Sure, I have a truck, but when it comes to traveling long distances, it can be a gas hog and take a hefty toll on the pocketbook. In order for me to get to Minneapolis and back, it takes at least two trips to the gas pumps. And I don’t care who you are, watching that total roll up to $50 a tank can be excruciatingly painful. And that’s where the high-speed rail makes sense. Instead of tightening the purse strings and taking fewer trips to conserve money, having that convenience available would be great. While I’m not much for letting others determine my schedule, if it can save me $50 in travel expenses, I will be glad to oblige a rail schedule. Funny how being on a budget can broaden people’s views of mass transit.
Of course, as is the case with most projects of this stature, it’s not going to just be given to us, all wrapped up in a neat little package with a bow on top. According to reports, having the line run through Eau Claire to the Twin Cities is also an option being considered. Granted that route makes sense as well, I have a feeling that might end up being more of a hassle, for travelers and taxpayers alike. Though the state is getting grant money for the project, having less railway to maintain in the future might be the best way to go on Wisconsin’s budgetary front. Having the rail line go through La Crosse to Rochester would mean that costs for maintenance and operating of the tracks extending past the Wisconsin border would be covered by Minnesota. So, in essence, the cost to deliver passengers to the Twin Cities would be more equal for both states. If the line were to go through Eau Claire and west toward the Minnesota border, Wisconsin would end up footing the majority of the costs.
In my eyes, it’s a no-brainer; if people from Madison, Milwaukee and Chicago plan on traveling to Minnesota to spend their money at the Mall of America or at Twins and *gasp* Vikings games, it’s only right that some of the cost be pushed onto them as well. That way, it would be more of a shared investment since each of the three states is bound to benefit from it financially. And then, of course, there’s the fact that the line would run through Rochester. I’m sure many people have had to drive all the way to Mayo Clinic for appointments or to visit a loved one. If the rail line goes in, someone could do most of the driving for you. All I know is that, for me, taking regular trips to watch the Twins play at Target Field or see the Brewers at Miller Park would be a lot easier if the line is chosen to run through the La Crosse area.
Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader
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