• originalucifer@moist.catsweat.com
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    31
    ·
    4 days ago

    great, now all we need is more fucking trains

    the money is always going to get in the way. its just not profitable… because thats the end-all be-all of the untie states. profits above anything else whatsoever.

    • regul@lemm.ee
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      14
      ·
      4 days ago

      don’t forget you also have to beg the freight companies to let you run those trains

    • grue@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      7
      ·
      edit-2
      4 days ago

      Because efficient rail with positive externalities has to be privatized and profitable, while inefficient roads with negative externalities are a massively subsidized public good, for “reasons.”

      • AA5B@lemmy.world
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        1
        ·
        3 days ago

        While I would also love that, it’s really not the best choice for most travelers. Currently we err in only driving or flying, but even in a well balanced system with a complete rail network that let everyone pick the best means of travel, flying will have the advantage for longer distances.

        Even with how slow Acela is, it beats both flying and driving Boston —> NYC. If we had high speed trains, they could be most effective over longer distances, but flying will always be much faster Miami —> LA

        • jagged_circle@feddit.nl
          link
          fedilink
          English
          arrow-up
          2
          ·
          2 days ago

          If we optimize for time, the world is fucked. There’s things more important, especially if the trains have WiFi on board and you can work and read.

          Loads of folks would take the train from NY to FL and didn’t complain that it took a few days. The journey becomes part of the trip. Enjoy it.

      • SwingingTheLamp@midwest.social
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        6
        ·
        4 days ago

        If you have the money, you can get a sleeping compartment on any of the long-haul Amtrak routes. They won’t stop you, as long as it doesn’t disturb other passengers.