Originally Posted by
Grumble
High speed rail is economical in smaller places like Japan and European countries, where the rail lines are
1.) Shorter and thus cheaper
2.) and where a 100mph train will actually beat a 450 knot jet taking into account the process for each
However trying to compete across a vast expanse like the US is just stupid. I actually looked at the price of an Amtrak ticket for the wife and I from CA to Chicago. Thought maybe it would be fun. $350 each, for COACH seats and it would take.... wait for it.... TWO DAYS. So for the same price as Southwest, I could sit in coach for TWO DAYS vice 4 hours?!?! Europe is broke for a reason, lets stop trying to chase them down the hole.
See post above. You should definitely try the two day train though. Get a sleeping car and it includes your meals for 2. It's a nice land cruise. Oh and Europe is not broke because of its high speed rail. We spend billions on our highways as well.