Why high speed rail is feasible in Europe but not the US.
Why high speed rail is feasible in Europe but not the US.
Well, it’s not “feasible” there either—but because of the socialistic culture rather than the nature of the mode.
Thing is, they spend between $12 million and $45 million per mile on the stuff (depending on the gradient and the nature of the terrain) while the liberals here want to spend $100-200+ million per mile on it. Germany in particular builds new high speed rail lines alongside the Autobahn.
“Europe” has a very low amount of freight transported by rail compared to the USA—about 5 percent while the other 95% goes by road in trucks, and of course they think they have the moral high ground when it comes to preaching about “climate change”.
Damn, that is good!
Even in Europe, high speed rail isn’t economical. The older, cheaper trains are popular, but people won’t pay a premium for the high speed trains.
A similar comparison map with Japan on it would be instructive, too!