Texas is even worse, at about 30. It’s simple not economically viable in the US, because even in the most densely populated regions, you don’t approach a population similar to Japan.Population density alone does not determine the market for mass transit. One must also look at current travel volume and modes of transportation against which mass transit would compete.
For instance, how many people currently travel each day Houston - Dallas, or Houston - San Antonio, or Dallas - San Antonio. How many by highway? How many by inefficient short-hop air? And what percentage of that market can be captured by high-speed rail?
And frankly, waiting until population density reaches "packed in like sardines" levels like in Japan would be STUPID because it would make acquiring right-of-way next to impossible. It's much better to identify areas of population growth and build the infrastructure BEFORE projected population densities reach their peak.
“Population density alone does not determine the market for mass transit.”
This is true, but population density is by far the largest determinant. Unless high speed rail goes down in price and cost, it will be a white elephant in America.
“One must also look at current travel volume and modes of transportation against which mass transit would compete.”
That is true. You also have to look at the ridership options. What percent of Americans compared with what percent of Japanese folks, are willing to take trains to get to their destination? What percentage of Americans are willing to leave their cars behind? Not nearly as many. This is the other part. Usership rates in America are less efficient than in Japan, so you would need to see higher density in the US in order to acheive the similar profit ratios as you see in Japan.
“And frankly, waiting until population density reaches “packed in like sardines” levels like in Japan would be STUPID because it would make acquiring right-of-way next to impossible. It’s much better to identify areas of population growth and build the infrastructure BEFORE projected population densities reach their peak.”
Again, it’s a white elephant. My opinion is that Americans would be far better served to invest taxpayer dollars into the widening and expansion of existing road networks to accommodate growing demand.
High-speed rail isn’t anywhere close to working in any part of America, other than the east coast corridor, and that has nothing to do with 1950’s thinking.
Transit should fund itself, not be a parasite on the back of drivers sucking up road taxes.
Change of subject a little....
They are proposing street cars for parts of DC. I think it is 18 miles of track down certain streets to help move folks. No it is not light rail like in Baltimore, real street cars. I guess it will get more jobs for the Metro staff.
I haven’t seen street cars in 40 years. I guess we are re-cycling ideas. I wonder if they will re-install the overhead wires, I guess they will have too.
what a boon-doggle