04-19-2009, 09:42 AM
Long distance high speed rail is not going to work economically in this country. Going from DC to Boston or NYC is one thing, going from DC to Chicago, maybe but DC to LA - no way; at nearly 2700 miles it would still be a 13 hour trip at 200mph (likely longer as I doubt it would be non-stop). An airline flight is only $220/rt and less than 6 hrs non-stop.
high speed rail is for short distance (200-300 miles) not long haul. The only way to make it truly attractive for long haul is to add a car ferry system. Then maybe longer hauls would generate interest as the traveler would save time, gas and hotel costs.
high speed rail is for short distance (200-300 miles) not long haul. The only way to make it truly attractive for long haul is to add a car ferry system. Then maybe longer hauls would generate interest as the traveler would save time, gas and hotel costs.