If we actually invested in REAL high speed rail, the ones that go 200+mph, it would replace all those short flights that are clogging the airports and end up saving us money instead of costing us. Here in Chicago they want to build a third airport. If they just put in high speed rail to other midwest cities like St. Louis, Milwaukee, Indianapolis and Detroit it would save a ton of flights and the need for a new airport. I haven't timed it but even with slow speed rail it might be quicker to get to other midwest cities since you don't need to arrive two hours early at the airport.