Moreover, powerful interests, including the Air Force and the rail industry, are pushing for coal.

FORBES: Coal's Many Friends

Immediately after Scott's decision, state jockeying to take Florida's share of rail funding began in full force -- including immediate overtures from Illinois, California and New York.

CNN: States hope to cash in on Florida's rejection of rail funds

But ongoing engineering work on the Paddington rail line to west Wales will force many travellers on to the roads.

BBC: Arsenal jets beat travel chaos

It said such a task force should include Network Rail, train operators, local authorities, local enterprise partnerships and key stakeholders representing business and users.

BBC: Abseilers inspect Devon railway line landslip

Announcing they were writing to the Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, the lawyers said that a single super-inquiry into two of the worst rail disasters in British history would provide the investigation with the power it needs to force through major changes in safety.

BBC: Families back rail 'super-inquiry'

Outside of rail and technology companies, almost none of them discussed long-term plans to significantly expand their work force.

WSJ: CEOs Say Don't Expect Much Hiring