Originally Posted by
lolwut
Good efficient widespread rail is needed by this country. I can admit that as an airline pilot.
What I also think is that this country is not capable of doing it. There are so many issues with taking on a project like this in our country these days that I don't even think we could accomplish it. Over budget, late, won't meet standards. Its sad what we've become... we used to be the world leader when it came to this sort of stuff, now all we can do is wish we had what other countries do.
I disagree with you. I will try to make this very short.
The existing rails in this country are not compatible with America's version of highspeed rail (Acela), and not even close to Europe's or Asia's definition of highspeed rail. Our rails are built for extremely heavy freight. You can not mix American freight trains and highspeed passenger trains on the same rails for a myriad of reasons including the laws of physics.
Our rails are privately owned. European/Asian trains are highly subsidized and/or government owned. It is very difficult to turn a profit. The only place in the US where Amtrak turns a profit, and just barely I might add, is the Northeast corridor.
If you want to expand the Northeast corridor, fine do it. But Americans sure as hell aren't going to pay a couple of hundred bucks to take a full day, if not two, to get somewhere.
Because our population is spread out and not as dense as European or Asian communities, trains have the same issues are airports. The stations will be just as inconveniently located and of course you'll have to pay for parking. Through in the TSA which is sure to be there any day now, and you'll end up with the same old problems with trains as you do with planes, except that in most markets its going to significantly cost you more and take longer to get there.