Governor Doyle recently requested over $500 million in federal stimulus money to link Madison with Milwaukee via high-speed rail, much like the one you would find in the Northeast Corridor connecting Washington, DC with Boston and every major coastal city in between. The idea for a rail link isn't new, as the state legislature has juggled, fumbled and dropped the idea in the past.
There are copious benefits of a rail line between Madison and Milwaukee, for both individual convenience and regional commerce. The proposed rail, which would shave 20 minutes off the normal driving commute between Wisconsin's two largest cities, provides an alternative way for Madisonians to get to both Milwaukee and Chicago, and vice versa.
The potential benefits are widespread, including reducing the number of cars on the road—helping the environment by reducing emissions in the process—creating much needed jobs and providing transportation for those that cannot afford a car or are unable to drive one. Also, making access to Madison easier can only help the local economy, and could stimulate statewide growth overall.
Let us not forget the former prominence of the streetcar, which conveniently took passengers to and from intended destinations in major cities. The highway lobby went to Congress pitching this new cool thing called ""the bus,"" and the rest is history. The same holds true for train links between cities, which were handled by the National Interstate and Defense Highways Act of 1956. Madison and Milwaukee were once connected by passenger rail—decades ago.
Furthermore, Doyle asserts that unlike some other cities, Madison rail projects are ""shovel-ready,"" meaning all the design and logistical work is complete. The stimulus money afforded solves another piece of the puzzle, and the only remaining issue is public support and legislative action.
Although this kind of high-speed connection is painfully overdue, federal and state legislators have to come to the same reasonable conclusion that rail is necessary. The benefits are overwhelming, and among the dubious spending and pork lodged in stimulus package, a high-speed rail is a refreshing no-brainer.
