Mayor Michael Bloomberg said Wednesday that he would consider giving the slow commute between New York and Washington, D.C. a rocket boost.

Mayor Bloomberg is meeting Friday with a high-powered congressman pushing the idea of a train that could trim as much as 80 minutes off the ride.

That would mean a two-hour trip from the city to the nation's capital.

Bloomberg gave the remarks in the opening ceremony of the city's first World Science Festival, held in Columbia University, where he delivered the keynote address.

The festival celebrates scientific discovery, and is part of the World Science Summit, where government and academic leaders explore the impacts of modern science.

Bloomberg notes that Shanghai's high-speed trains give the city a competitive advantage.

"One of the things this country has done is we have neglected the infrastructure of this country,” said Bloomberg. “Yesterday there were four-hour delays coming into the local airports. You know, we can't have an economy if that's the case."

Bloomberg did say the train may use too much energy and has not officially endorsed the idea.

A key house committee recently approved spending $14 billion over five years for the project.

In his address, the mayor noted the contributions science makes to the city's economy, and how scientific exploration in New York helps the city remain a global research center.

"In addition to being a center of finance and entertainment, fashion, and culture, New York is also the world leader in scientific research, and this World Science Festival really puts the spotlight on that,” said Bloomberg. “And thanks to Brian and Tracy and everyone associated with the festival, they're also going to use theater and dance and film and music, to make science in our city sexy."

The festival runs from Thursday through Sunday at venues throughout the city.

For more information on programming you can go to www.worldsciencefestival.com.