Politics

Transportation secretary: Americans want to ‘get out of their cars’ [VIDEO]

Nicholas Ballasy Senior Video Reporter
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WASHINGTON – Making a case for high-speed rail in America, Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood said Americans want to “get off the 95 corridor,” “get out of their cars” and use a more “convenient” form of transportation.

“Ridership is at an all-time high on Amtrak on the northeast corridor. Amtrak is making money on the northeast corridor. Why? Because the people are ahead of the politicians on this,” LaHood told the American Public Transportation Association’s legislative conference on Monday.

“People want to get off the 95 coordinator, get out of their cars [and] have a convenient way to travel. This is where America is moving, and in every budget proposal the president has put forth, he’s included high-speed rail. We will not be dissuaded by detractors.”

LaHood, who has announced his retirement, said he visited eighteen countries “looking at high-speed rail only” in his “first two years” as transportation secretary.

“High-speed rail is coming to America, and it’s coming because of the president’s investment,” said LaHood.

“It’s going to happen. There’s no stopping it.”

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