Seriously, What is Wrong with Trains?

http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/106705698.html

One thing I have a hard time understanding, why do state politicians like our new governor elect hate trains so much?

If you are not aware, part of the stimulus package passed in the wake of the Great Recession was to build a "high-speed" train route from Milwaukee to Madison (which could eventually link up with Minneapolis). Walker wants to scuttle the whole project even though the feds have committed $810 million for it. The argument (see above link to JS Online) is that it will cost the state $7.5 million in annual expenses, although some estimates say the feds will pick up 90% of that tab. Is this a case of cutting off the state's nose to smite its face?

Having lived in countries where train travel is the main mode of transportation, I see many potential benefits to the project. Taking trains makes a person more productive, you can do work or read while riding, and it saves on gas. The main counterargument seems to be that no one will want to ride it, but I think that if it is faster and more convenient than taking a car there is no reason to believe that it will not be popular. If the train depot is in a central and easy to access location near popular work/tourist spots and it is indeed faster it could work. The highest paying jobs are available in the large cities, and if people were not so inconvenienced by traffic congestion and could get to places like Chicago and Minneapolis quicker and easier, people may be able to live in Madison and work in Milwaukee or vice-versa. It could also make existing roads less congested and reduce wear and tear that needs to be repaired constantly. It would bring the jobs "closer" to the people rather than making people move to where the jobs are. That could help a rust-belt state like Wisconsin. But, that requires big thinking and boldness, two things I regret to say seem to be lacking in the current political environment. Rather than taking the new economic situation we find ourselves in by the horns and investing in new ideas that will pay off in the future, taking risks, we seem to be retreating. Instead, we just have to cut everything and hope for the best. The country did not always hate trains, why now?