IN BRIEF

UCLA Study of Japan's Bullet Train Raises Questions About California Project

JULY 13, 2012

“A new UCLA economic analysis of Japan’s Shinkansen bullet train and its impact on the growth of cities along its route calls into question claims by state officials that California’s high-speed rail project will create up to 400,000 permanent jobs.

Construction of Japan’s vaunted bullet train began in the mid-1960s, and it did not generate higher economic growth or additional jobs, according to the study.” (Los Angeles Times)

When you’re spending someone else’s money, “It looks cool and I don’t like it when other people drive cars” seems like justification enough.

FEE Timely Classic

“The Infrastructure Delusion: Getting Nowhere Faster” by Richard W. Fulmer