And do what instead? The alternative of expanding freeways and airports would cost twice as much as HSR with fewer benefits. HSR remains the better long term investment for California’s intrastate travel needs.

Despite the cost increases, HSR is still a better deal than continuing to expand freeways and airports. It’s estimated that to build the equivalent additional freeway and airport capacity that HSR would provide would cost about twice as much, and with fewer long term benefits.

Visited Japan for the first time earlier this year, and made it a point to check out Sakuragaoka, the neighborhood where Whisper of the Heart takes place. Here are just a couple photos comparing the real thing to the anime (more to follow).