News To Know: Getting Transportation On Track

There have been many responses to high fuel costs. While many people traded in their S.U.V.s for smaller cars, others have gone the route of taking mass transit when possible rather than driving. In fact, so many people have switched to public transportation, that many mass transit systems are seeing record ridership levels. This has lead to a call for expanding these systems, particularly our railways. Congress has approved a $2 billion grant to encourage states to link-up through new rail systems and it has also promised $13 billion to fund Amtrak and help with the development of high-speed rail corridors. Even states are getting involved. California is considering selling billions of dollars in bonds to fund a high-speed rail network connecting major cities. Many people view rail transit as a way to lower fuel demand and diminish congestion on American roads.