Quote:
Originally Posted by ardecila
Also, the argument that the state will be forced to step in if Texas Central goes bankrupt is another fallacy. If Texas Central goes bankrupt, any construction work that is completed could be purchased by another company, either to run Houston-Dallas passenger service or for different purposes altogether (e.g. freight service). I'm sure UP, BNSF or KCS would love to get a grade-separated corridor at a deep discount. Or it could simply be abandoned. In no case is the State of Texas or its taxpayers responsible for the railroad, unless they actively choose to accept responsibility - and even then the structures and earthworks could be used for other public uses like a trail or a highway, which would be subject to public approvals at every step along the way.
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Or their biggest fear which is the line is a success, but not profitable enough for the private for-profit corporation, which would force the conservative state to face the fact that operating such service is actually a public good, regardless of huge profit returns. You know, like the highway system.