Judging by the experiences of Japan and France, both of which have mature high-speed rail systems, it would end the expansion of regional airline traffic as in-state travelers increasingly ride the fast trains. And it would surely slow the growth of highway traffic. Other potential benefits are also intriguing: a probable economic windfall for several cities along the route, with rejuvenated neighborhoods and center cities; several hundred thousand jobs in construction, manufacturing, operations and maintenance; and the environmental benefits that come from vehicles far more efficient and far less polluting than jets, buses and cars
mary goglio on 18 Oct 11High speed rail revolution- "...In Europe and Japan, the seeds for high speed rail were sewn in the 1960s and 1970s, when high oil prices, growing highway congestion, and an aging and congested rail system prompted countries to think deeply about how best to move people in the future. Later on, air quality concerns, prospects for economic development, and rising airport congestion helped push more countries to build high speed rail..."
