I really do sympathize with pork project aspect of all of the bullet trains....Our country has knack of destroying potential transportation improvements
However; in my business travels, I have ridden in the Chinese and Japanese bullet trains. Both are very different, but superb in terms of comfort (big seats, smooth and quiet), service (food, walk around ability), speed (to short 100-300 mile range trips), accessibility (walk on, walk off in minutes versus how our airports operations) and the scenery (big windows). In particular, the seats and comforts, etc. beat any US airline to a pulp. It may never get off the ground in the US due to opposition by both the conservatives, NIMBY’s and greenies. If it does, then it is likely to be unsuccessful in implementation by limiting speeds to 90 mph versus the 250-300 mph capability, putting stops every 10 miles, caving to the airline industry by requiring maximum seat pitch to 29 inches in order to make it non competitive to their industry etc..
I do struggle with the thought that some good projects die off because of poorly managed, financed projects give it a bad rap...I think that if done properly, most Americans would gladly travel by train once they experience the difference...and this applies only to short to medium trips (100-300 mile range). I could see the airline industry worry for such sections like Houston/Dallas, LA/San Francisco, etc....
$19 billion. For a country like India where most of the population lives in abject poverty is insane.
I too have traveled on trains throughout the world, Japan, China, Europe and I think they are very overrated.
I thought the Shinkansen in Japan was tired and worn. Ripped carpet, holes in the seat, inedible food cart. But it is fast. The trains in the UK, again worn and very over-crowded also not fast. TGV was kept nice and it is fast by the price was very expensive. The slower trains in France, Germany are beat-up and need replacement. Flights in the EU now are pretty cheap and are cutting into the long distance train’s share of travelers.
Amtrak in the Northeast does a decent job of moving people fast and does compete with the airlines. I also think our overnight trains with sleepers are far superior than anything in Europe. Sleepers, rooms are better on Amtrak, dining car food is better as well. The speed in Northeast trains are good enough and it would be nice if it were faster. Boston to New York is 3 1/2 hours by Amtrak’s Acela but is typically $125 - $200 one way. The regional takes 4 hours and can be had for $49 if booked 2 weeks in advance. Is a half hour less on the train worth $75 to $150? Not to me.
Amtrak stated that to get trains up to 150 mph in just the Northeast would take $150 Billion. This would double the current average speed and make Boston to D.C. doable in 3 hours.