Tag Archives: bullet train

OMG Comments on Article “High-speed rail will take taxpayers for a ride”

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So, the Washington Post runs this blast of an article against high speed rail — and public transit in general — in the USA. Hmm, not a big surprise. I enjoyed reading the article and getting that little bit of anger from the wild assumptions and incorrect causal relationships inferred in the article. THEN… I scroll down to the comments of readers of the opinion piece. INCREDIBLE responses! Truly worth a few minutes of your day to check this out. We have some great minds in this country and the internet allows us to voice our arguments. This is not to be missed:

Article and comments.

UK Wants Fast Trains to Link Cities

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Train service in England

High Speed Rail in the UK

Britain determining that train travel – namely high speed rail – is the best solution for linking their cities together over planes or more roads. Yet, funding issues remain. Top quote:

Lord Adonis said the development could be financed through public-private partnerships, similar to the Channel Tunnel rail link. “I want Britain to be a pioneer in low-cost, mass-market high-speed rail,” he said.

Another interesting concept is a transit system that is environmentally sustainable and available for the general population, not just the well off. How interesting! A system of travel for all people, not just the elite!

Meanwhile, here in the USA what is the popular transit plan? Toll-roads, not only making travel easier for the well off, but benefiting the corporations that are contracted to build and manage the toll-roads. To think these toll-road owning corporations don’t pad the pockets of their favorite politicians is absurd. Why/how does this continue? Because the American public allows it. End of story.

Japanese Prime Minister Promotes Bullet Trains to India

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Japanese Prime Minister Hatoyama promoted implementing bullet trains on a recent trip to India, saying it would benefit both countries. How true!

Surely the US will have a viable high-speed rail system prior to India. Right? Please? I am not too sure. Now that is just sad, check out a couple images of current train travel in India:

China Launches World’s Fastest Trains

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China continues to show it’s emerging dominance.

While the US talks about developing some, limited, high speed rail, China has already launched the world’s fastest train. It is also the world’s longest high-speed passenger train between Wuhan, capital of Hubei Province and Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong Province. The train travels at an average speed of 217 miles per hour.

Worlds Fastest Train in China

World's Fastest Train in China

The US must find the will to spend on infrastructure for the future. We have begun to admit that trains are part of the future not the past, but have yet to really take this head on.

Chicago to Saint Louis 220 mph train

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The non-profit Midwest High Speed Rail Association is advocating for an $11.5 billion plan for a Chicago to St. Louis high-speed line that could reach 220 mph. That would place it among the fastest trains in the U.S. and would rival high-tech systems from Europe and Asia.

Chicago to St. Louis proposed high speed rail

Chicago to St. Louis proposed high speed rail

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/30/plan-calls-for-midwest-hi_n_223500.html

Maglev versus conventional

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Here is an interesting discussion on Maglev versus conventional track for high speed rail.

Maglev, stands for magnetic levitation, a system of transportation that suspends, guides and propels vehicles, predominantly trains, using magnetic forces. This method has the potential to be faster, quieter and smoother than wheeled mass transit systems.

The best-known high-speed maglev currently operating is in Shanghai, China (pictured here). It travels 30 km (18.6 miles) to the airport in just 7 minutes 20 seconds, with top speeds of 431 km/h (268 mph)!Shanghai maglev train reaches 268 mph

Italy Launches High Speed Rail

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Italys new bullet train

Italy's new bullet train

I must say, I am jealous. In Europe, the launch of a “bullet train” is not even news. Take a look at this picture, a thing of beauty this train is. The Italians know how to build trains. Years ago when vacationing in San Francisco, they had streetcars from the early 20th century originally used in Milan. Quite an experience to take a ride on that car. And Italy is still devoted to train transit with the latest news report: Italy launches Rome-Milan high-speed train.

The “Red Arrow” reaches 186 miles per hour. It travels the 300 mile journey from Milan to Rome in 3 hours and 30 minutes, 18 times a day! Milan is Italy’s financial capital (as well as a tremendous fashion center), while Rome is the political capital. The fare for the trip is about $90. Not too bad. Imagine a chance to ride high speed rail from New York to Washington DC your choice of 18 times per day. Well, it could happen. We need our government to step up to the plate and do it now.