Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
California

Friday Video: The High Speed Rail Anthem You’ve Been Waiting For

"Because 220 sure beats going 79."

We haven't stopped singing this absolute earworm about California's high speed rail project since it hit our inboxes last week — and now, neither will you.

To bastardize Bill Hader, this music video has everything: trackside saxophone solos! Sean Duffy jump scares! A brief history of the Shinkansen! Elon Musk in a cheese head! A very important reality check that we spend this much on highways literally all the time! Poorly executed flag tricks! A concrete call to action at the end of the video for Californians who want to do something to finish building this damn train already!

Seriously, hats off to Alex Davis, Californians for Electric Rail, and everyone else involved in this masterpiece. (Editor's note: And, hey, Jimmy and the Jaywalkers, you better update your sound (though your hearts are in the right place)!-GK)

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

‘I’m Always on the Bus’: How Transit Advocacy Helped Katie Wilson Become Seattle’s Next Mayor

"I really think that our public transit system is such a big part of people's daily experience of government," says the incoming mayor of the Emerald City.

December 8, 2025

Who Rides on the Sidewalk? In NYC, Cops Think Only Blacks and Hispanics

The NYPD has ramped up its enforcement against cyclists for squeezing pedestrians, but in a very suspect manner.

December 8, 2025

Monday’s Headlines: Why Is Vision Zero Failing?

If there really is a war on cars, the drivers are winning, according to a Washington Post investigation.

December 8, 2025

Friday Video: Exactly Why the Cybertruck Sucks

Unwind and let yourself hate on Elon Musk a little.

December 5, 2025

Friday’s Headlines Are Cooking With Gas

Fuel economy is the latest victim of President Trump's efforts to unravel the Biden administration's legacy.

December 5, 2025

Talking Headways Podcast: The (Parking) Reformation

Tony Jordan, president of the Parking Reform Network, discusses getting rid of our cars, parking policy, and Donald Shoup’s legacy.

December 4, 2025
See all posts