posted
Every newscast of this sort ends the same way ...."Is it worth it?".
Why can't they show the favorable economic impact high speed rail can bring.
Look at the amount of money the government spends on airlines. The runways, the staffing, the fire and police not to mention TSA. Suppose each train station had to have Fire/Rescue crews available every time a passenger train came in to the station as the air ports must do. Our local government is even paying a subsidity to the airlines to provide flights into and out of our airport. I hate flying. My last flight smelled like I was in a Kentucky Fried Chicken resturant.
Posts: 68 | From: Lynchburg, Virginia USA | Registered: Feb 2003
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posted
Mr. Southern, you clearly did not have the opportunity to ride the secondary trains on the Seaboard and ACL. They weren't called the 'Chicken Bone Special' for nothing.
I had a very long overnight coach in college. There was a very large lady behind me pulled out a cherry pie and consumed the whole thing during the course of the night.
Posts: 2397 | From: Camden, SC | Registered: Mar 2006
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posted
Since the interest here at the Forum largely revolves around LD train travel, I'm sure Joe Vranich is held in the same regard as are other "train haters' you know such as Dr. Ronald Utt, Sen. McCain, GBN, etc, and that his appearance on the segment did not bring forth any accolades.
However, Mr. Vranich's point that the first initiative for a truly high speed rail system on the same scope as found in Western Europe and Pacific Rim Asia ought to be the Corridor makes sense; if intercity passenger service can't make it there, it is not going to make it anywhere.
But we all know the constraints to having such an initiative - so does Mr. Vranich as he is a smart fellow and at one time a very enthusiastic Amtrak employee (I've met him 'along the way"). The constraints against building an entirely new railroad through the Corridor would likely be the same as building an entirely new I-95 through same - or even a new airport. The New York area NIMBYs are even howling about any expansion of KSWF - what will they think in Greenwich ("I was there" for the building of the present I-95)?
What will result, if any HSR project is to move forth, is one on which the probability of commercial success is far less likely than that in the NEC. It would be great if any of the projects noted in the segment were to move forth, and someone would show up to ride. But if one is to fail, i.e. become a White Elephant (or Pink for Messrs. Mayo and Williams), the passenger train initiative will be badly set back, or possibly even time for the Adios drumheads.
Posts: 9976 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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posted
Speaking of video material, and my apology to NARP members here that likely already know of such, here is Ross Capon being interviewed on Air America (now now did anyone really think Hannity or Glen Beck would interview him? would Mr. Capon even agree to be interviewed by anyone in the Fox stable- even the Fox Blondes?).
You will have to dig through the On Demand archives to find the material.
I will acknowledge the man makes sense; only wish NARP's agenda was not wrapped up in the likes of "The Vision', but then I guess they too want a national constituency.
Finally, some of the commentary by the show's host falls into line with those expressed by Mr. Smith over at this topic:
posted
Not just because I am working on it, but if the California HSR can get past the NIMBY's and avoid the last knkow habitat of the left winged fuzzworm, it should prove conclusively that there is a true market for high speed trains in this country. If you do not believe it, get out and ride one of the state supported trains currnetly running, San Jose-Oakland-Sacramento, Oakland-Fresno-bakersfield, Sacramento-Fresno-Bakersfield, and Los Angeles-San Diego. All these have respectable ridership, and you will not be lonely at any of the station stops. And, none of them are fast enough to beat the normal road warrior's driving time. There are plenty of people in California that that would not know a whistle post from a milepost or the difference between the Southern Pacific Railroad and the Georgia Pacific Lumber Company but still think train when they plan a trip.
Posts: 2808 | From: Olive Branch MS | Registered: Nov 2002
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The NBC Nightly News video, I believe, demonstrated the magnitude of the problem. Maybe we should allocate the 5 billion, the Acela needs, and get a true high-speed train. As a resident of Calif, I can't see how we are going to come up with 45 billion (or more) for our HSR project. The local property taxes and state income taxes, here in Calif, are forcing people and businesses out of the state..I may be next.
How can they figure just an 8 billion stimulus, nation-wide, would do anything for HSR?
I do believe, however, as the video mentioned, that a true high-speed Acela might induce other corridors to consider high-speed rail.
Another idea..let Acela have 5 billion and use the remaining 3 billion to make one of the Amtrak's long-distance trains, say the Zephyr, into a first-class, showcase exemplar for what a modern passenger train can be. Give people a model and let them demand an upgrade. Even at normal, Amtrak speeds, I think a rebirth if LD train popularity could be accomplished if we had just one prototype to show what can be done.
Richard
Posts: 1909 | From: Santa Rosa | Registered: Jan 2004
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quote:Originally posted by yukon11: Another idea..let Acela have 5 billion and use the remaining 3 billion to make one of the Amtrak's long-distance trains, say the Zephyr, into a first-class, showcase exemplar for what a modern passenger train can be. Give people a model and let them demand an upgrade. Even at normal, Amtrak speeds, I think a rebirth if LD train popularity could be accomplished if we had just one prototype to show what can be done.
I'm sure, Richard, it comes as no surprise I would be opposed to any such initiative. In view of the dubious success that "luxotrains" have enjoyed, any such expenditure would simply be seen as waste and a diversion from what 21st century passenger railroading is all about - Corridors and commuters.
Furthermore, I must question how any allocation of the "$8B for HSR" (Adobe Page 94) towards a route that is anything but high-speed could be considered within the scope of the legislation.
Just the thoughts of one who holds that for so long as Amtrak gets its annual appropriation by providing something called "service" through enough legislative districts to ensure a legislative majority, the LD system is quite adequate in its nature and scope.
Posts: 9976 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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I don't mind seeing, Mr. Norman, federal funding exclusively for HSR. However, I still think we need to greatly improve a few LD trains, both in terms of equipment, personnel, and amenities. I see this as a priority second to none.
By the way, in the NBC Nightly New video, I got the impression that there is thought to make the Cascade route into a high-speed corridor. Is this correct?.. I haven't heard such discussion but it would be, probably, a good idea if funding could be had..possibly as a joint venture between Oregon, Washington, and BC.
Richard
Posts: 1909 | From: Santa Rosa | Registered: Jan 2004
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And right next to the billions of taxpayer money put into hi-speed corriders. (which I think are the way to go.) Will be billions more of taxpayer dollers poured into highway "shovel ready" projects. Ride the Acela from Boston to Washington and follow I-95 much of the way. Ride the train from Boston to Chicago and follow the Mass and NY Turnpikes. And oh yeah now the owners of Amtrak have to work on selling cars for their new auto business GM.
Posts: 516 | From: New Haven, CT USA | Registered: Feb 2005
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