Do you think trains will make a big comeback in America?

Question

Honestly, the way things are these days with oil and the fact our fate lies in the middle east, it's obvious there's some things that need to change. The country is pushing towards new forms of fuel for our cars and trucks, which is great.

But what about trains in America? Electric trains have been around for decades (albeit ones with diesel generators). The car has pushed them back somewhat. But now with the political and economic climate the way it is in this country, it seems to me that trains would do great things for us. I wouldn't be surprised if every city has a train/subway system in a few years, instead of just the big ones. Not to mention national transport systems, like AmTrack.

It's obvious how beneficial they can be in a modern society. Just look at European and Asian cities. Why can't we do the same.

To Lobisto-

Of course I meant high speed trains. This isn't the 1800's, it's quite easy nowadays to make trains that can reliably do over 150 mph.

The differences is distances in Europe and America aren't that great. Every country is connected to one another. Those are large distances. It really isn't an obstacle that should turn people away. Trains are safer and more pleasurable than Planes.

*Lobisito.

Answer 1

y do you think the have gone away

Answer 2

Because Americans like the convenience of cars. Most cities lose money on bus service and a train, or subway would be the same way. the reasons that the US went away from trains is because we live in a huge country and the other parts of the world that have well used trains have poor people that have to rely on that system. The trains in the eastern corridor are busy because of the other traffic from cars and trucks and the towns being contiguous. If you live in Iowa , Nebraska the passenger train doesn't have may boarding points with out driving 150 mile round trip or more. So maybe in large cities it may work but for the middle of the country, it's just a diversion. The diesel engine is finally coming to the US, Europe has had clean diesels for quite a while and 40 mpg in a large sedan is what we will be using before too long.

Answer 3

The problem is that the distances in the American continent are much larger than those in Europe.
To take train from Toronto to Vanvouver it will take you 2-3 days but from Paris to Praga less than one day.
So maybe one idea is to make fast trains.
Also to make them cheaper because why wouldn't you take the plane at the same price, if you can arrive in 2-3 hours?

edit: i agrre that they are more pleasurable and safe
i used trains a lot when i was in europe

Answer 4

People don't care if Mexicans come to live in America the legal way (and a lot of them are here). But this is the problem. Mexico punishes their cut-throats, thieves, pedophiles, rapist. serial killers and etc. by pushing them out of their country and into ours because their jails are overloaded. Everyday now 30 Americans are slaughtered in their sleep, on their farms, and in the streets. The Media won't cover this as much as they need to. Personally I grew up with Latinos, Italians, and such. Five of my friends are Mexican American. I love them dearly. Even they tell me that they don't feel safe around the illegal ones because you don't know if you can turn your back on them or let them into your home. Moose, it has nothing to do with the race...but the question of "friend or foe among us."

Answer 5

I have thought about that myself lately.....it is an idea thats time has come.

Answer 6

yes

Answer 7

that's good idea.
it really would save a lot.
i think we should go back to trains.

Answer 8

Because we are America, and everything has to be difficult here.

Answer 9

what are trains?