The Trains in Spain

And now more on one of Professor Casey's hot topics: the trains in Spain.

During our first class, we discussed the Alta Velocidad Española (AVE), the Spanish state railway company run by RENFE. One of the upsides we explored about countries with central governments like Spain is that they can make comprehensive decisions that cut through the federalist tape that can stymie progress in countries like America. For Spain, the success of the decisions to nationalize the railways in 1941 and its current overhauling of railway technology are partly a result of its authorative government.

I was interested in exploring the topic of AVE further and found two articles in The Wall Street Journal (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124018395386633143.html) and The Economist (http://www.economist.com/world/europe/displaystory.cfm?story_id=13061961) which give a broader picture of how the Spanish have responded to the AVE.

While it is true that many Spaniards support the railway development, it is important to note that not everyone has embraced or are embracing the infrastructure changes. Various issues these constituents point to are:
· Unfair political favoritism is given to certain cities who are placed high on the priority list for railway upgrades.
· Historic preservation monuments and neighborhoods located close to the railway construction areas are at risk of being damaged.
· Violent acts and threats have occurred to those involved in the construction by the ETA due to the railway development.
· The decline in airline industry's viability is partly due to the dramatic increase in the use of trains.

I am interested in hearing your thoughts about this topic. Specifically, what does America gain by having privatized railways? Are the benefits (reduction of environmental impact, faster and efficient travel and the promotion of travel and tourism) that Spain has gained with its railways exclusively the product of its nationalized system? What will it take for America to invest in more efficient and broader public transportation systems nationwide?

- Jessica