There may be some valid points in there, but I don't consider it very productive to get this kind of info from this source. I'm not sure what their agenda is, but it clearly doesn't have anything to do with economics or transportation. From the authors recent articles, I have my doubts he would approve of anything that isn't initiated by government. Consider this article http://greatergreaterwashington.org/post/19330/supreme-court...
Since I lack the expertise to know myself whether the numbers are plausible or will work out, I need to rely on the expertise of others. And one of my ways of evaluating the expertise of others is if they appear to be guided by facts or by an agenda.
Are you able to see the factual assertions in this article and then challenge them? Then do that. Trying to read the author's mind is not only an unproductive way to build an argument, but also an invalid way: he could be taking $2MM/mo from CA HSR lobbyists and it would still be logically possible for him to construct a compelling argument against Musk's plan.
Debating motives is a waste of time. If his piece is all motive and no meat, the article should be easy for you to pick apart. So do it.
Since I lack the expertise to know myself whether the numbers are plausible or will work out, I need to rely on the expertise of others. And one of my ways of evaluating the expertise of others is if they appear to be guided by facts or by an agenda.