Rail system?

Question

Do you think the US would benefit from a rail system like they have in Europe? (Amtrak doesn't count...it's too expensive and has very limited routes!)

Answer 1

The quick answer is yes, we would benefit greatly from such a system (less pollution, fast transporation, less congestion on the highways, etc.). If it were created, Amtrak would be the only logical choice. Yes, it has limited routes but this is because, aside from the Northeast, it operates exclusively over the private railroads' lines and also receives very limited funding. Even though it has been neglected by Congress and the government, it has been in the passenger-rail business for 35 years now and has learned a few things during that time, so why throw all of that experience out the window and start over? Now granted, from an infrastructure standpoint, Amtrak could use a major overhaul indeed, but it does the best with which it is given. It's interesting that despite Europe and Asia's grand rail infrastructure, Amtrak is actually much more efficient (looking at the bottom line) than either at hauling passengers. Will we ever see such a system here? Given this country's stance on passenger rail over the past 35 years, I would be highly surprised to see such a system within say, the next 25-35+ years, if it all (one is looking at many many billions to build such a system).

Answer 2

South Africa's kinfolk delivery equipment, with regards to volume, high quality, value (for what you get), cleanliness and luxurious, is LIGHTYEARS in the back of different center-income countries. when I take the most inexpensive prepare the following contained in the middle-income united states the position I presently artwork, I enter a international of aircon, comfortable carpets, delicate adjustable seats, digital and voice bulletins in 4 different languages at each and every station...hell, even curtains on the domicile windows! Bus stations compete with one yet another to take you everywhere in luxurious coaches (at an tremendously low value). 2 cities have wide underground prepare networks (one for a third city coming), that take you from one aspect of the city to the different in 25 minutes. Passengers use elctronic playing cards or in case you want to purchase a cost ticket, rows of vehicle-value ticket-machines stand waiting to serve you. So, sure, SA does, in spite of the undeniable fact that it were given stuck someplace contained in the 1970's.

Answer 3

Yes...and Amtrak DOES count -- its "too expensive" because congress cuts its funding and cuts some more making the carrier limit its routes!

If Amtrak had proper funding and subsidies like the highways and airlines and the post office for cripe sake, you wouldn't be able to say its expensive or has limited routes.

Answer 4

Yes, especially between major cites

Answer 5

Yes, I think it would be so much easier to travel. And I agree about Amtrak...I've tried it before and it's awful!

Answer 6

Solar powered pneumatic tubes

Answer 7

Yes of course.