Why liberals love trains.

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

Last time I checked, the density factor is a lot different in the USA than it is in Japan... or even Europe for that matter.

TRain lines make sense in a few parts of the country... it's not a national plan.

I don't think anyone is trying to lay rail for a high speed train in Wyoming or Nebraska.

[Zero Sum 305]

Last time I checked, the density factor is a lot different in the USA than it is in Japan... or even Europe for that matter.

TRain lines make sense in a few parts of the country... it's not a national plan.

Good point. HSR should be available to link major metro areas, and spoke out to metro areas further away. The logic is there and your own rationale of how others do it actually supports the entire point: population density justifies it.

The way Amtrak does it now really sucks. We have to modernize our minds as much as our infrastructure.

[rika60607 215]

Here are some myths about the high speed train

http://www.ca4hsr.org/hsr-info-2/myths-vs-facts/

In France, the high speed train IS the fastest way to get there... The trip which takes 3.5 hours by train would take more than 9 hours by car. Also, in Europe gas is much more expensive than in the US. Hence, it makes economic sense to take the train.

...and Cali is far more densely populated than France!

That requires having to sit extremely close to strangers, and that makes purse-lipped, OCD's like George Will break out in hives.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Here are some myths about the high speed train

http://www.ca4hsr.org/hsr-info-2/myths-vs-facts/

In France, the high speed train IS the fastest way to get there... The trip which takes 3.5 hours by train would take more than 9 hours by car. Also, in Europe gas is much more expensive than in the US. Hence, it makes economic sense to take the train.

...and Cali is far more densely populated than France!

Really? Have you driven I-5 north of the Grapevine?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEVB4furug4

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

Here are some myths about the high speed train

http://www.ca4hsr.org/hsr-info-2/myths-vs-facts/

In France, the high speed train IS the fastest way to get there... The trip which takes 3.5 hours by train would take more than 9 hours by car. Also, in Europe gas is much more expensive than in the US. Hence, it makes economic sense to take the train.

...and Cali is far more densely populated than France!

Exactly - nothing is faster to get from the center of London to the center of Paris (which is a similar distance as LA-SF) than the Eurostar except maybe private jet and no one has to grope your genitals in order to take it

[rika60607 215]

I drove from San Diego to Santa Barbara.

Have you driven in France?

Really? Have you driven I-5 north of the Grapevine?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEVB4furug4

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

I drove from San Diego to Santa Barbara.

Have you driven in France?

So, the answer is no?

[^_^ 5,021]

Personally, I love going to DC on Amtrak. It's not cheaper (not by a long shot) but it is faster than going by car (unless you drive in the middle of the night and beat the traffic). And it's comfortable. Sit on a comfy chair and drink some coffee and eat a bagel. You get there feeling like you didn't just travel almost 200 miles.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Exactly - nothing is faster to get from the center of London to the center of Paris (which is a similar distance as LA-SF) than the Eurostar except maybe private jet and no one has to grope your genitals in order to take it

For fifty bucks, I can take a 50 minute flight. Besides, who would want to go to the center of Los Angeles or San Francisco?

[rika60607 215]

I gave you my answer.

I am still waiting for yours! Is it a No?

So, the answer is no?

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

I have driven I-5 north of the Grapevine many, many times - often 2 lanes of slow moving traffic. Driving it to SF makes the case for a high speed link better than anything I can think of.

I think you will find the Central Valley and rural France to be pretty similar in terms of population density. And even if it was completely desolate instead of home to several medium sized like Fresno and Bakersfield it is still 300 miles between the 2 largest cities in a state that is the equivalent to the world's 7th largest economy.

[Zero Sum 305]

Personally, I love going to DC on Amtrak. It's not cheaper (not by a long shot) but it is faster than going by car (unless you drive in the middle of the night and beat the traffic). And it's comfortable. Sit on a comfy chair and drink some coffee and eat a bagel. You get there feeling like you didn't just travel almost 200 miles.

You might as well say Café au lait and a Baguette.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

For fifty bucks, I can take a 50 minute flight. Besides, who would want to go to the center of Los Angeles or San Francisco?

By way of LAX? You must be kidding.

[rika60607 215]

Factor in the time it takes to get to and from the airport and clear security lines, may be get your luggage... Is it still 50 min?

Did you ever ride a high speed train?

For fifty bucks, I can take a 50 minute flight. Besides, who would want to go to the center of Los Angeles or San Francisco?

[^_^ 5,021]

You might as well say Café au lait and a Baguette.

Sorry, I don't do that bougi #######. Give me a Dunkin Donuts coffee and bagel any day.

Any idea who caters the snack cars on Amtrak? I have no idea come to think of it. The guy who serves you wears an Amtrak uniform so I guess Amtrak runs it? A possible outsourcing opportunity.