Fast Trains and Faster Solutions

* Re “Hopes Still Live for Anaheim-Vegas High-Speed Train,” March 17:

Although a $9-billion Las Vegas-Orange County maglev rail line might be a good idea in the long term, planners also should take a look at less costly high-speed rail improvements that could be implemented more quickly. Modern high-speed passenger trains, operating at speeds up to 125 mph, could be placed into service on the existing rail freight line in two to three years. The Las Vegas-to-Orange County run could take as little as 4 1/2 hours, and trains could reach Union Station in Los Angeles in another 20 minutes using existing Metrolink trackage.

Although some upgrading of track and signal systems would be required, the operation would be no more ambitious than the recent upgrading of the New York-Boston line.

GEORGE HAIKALIS

President

Institute for

Rational Urban Mobility Inc.

New York, NY

* The future visionary international airport requires mature focusing on the year 2100 and beyond to benefit all concerned citizens of Southern California.

We should not be evaluating, planning and expanding our current airport facilities at LAX, Burbank, Long Beach, John Wayne and San Diego. The Southern California coastline sites are now saturated with pollution, automobiles, expanded freeways, air pollution and other environmental problems. Therefore, we need to develop inland territory.

The immediate solution is to establish the 250-mph magnetic levitation high-speed bullet train from El Toro to Palmdale. The maglev would provide 24-hour service daily, with stops at designated infrastructure substations for commuters.

Upon activation, existing major airports in Southern California should be modified and limited to operational directives accepted and approved by each surrounding community.

JAMES K. NAGAMATSU

Orange