[jyl]

I like trains (am on one right now, in fact). I particularly like high-speed trains, having enjoyed rides on the French TGV and the Japanese bullet. Acela is nice too, not exactly high-speed but when on the East Coast I take it when possible.

Flying (commercial) seems to get more unpleasant every year.

On the West Coast, there would seem a pretty natural route for a high-speed train - north-south connecting San Diego, Los Angeles, SF Bay Area, and Sacramento. At 200 mph, LA to SF would be say 3-4 hours since you'd have to slow down in the urban areas. Flying it takes the same time, with all the check-in, security, and getting to/from the airport.

Do you think a high-speed train would work here?

Then, different question, do you think one will ever be built? Obviously the current AmTrak could never fund (or, perhaps, manage) one.