Most rail commuter trains end up being subsidized by the public. Europe works because of the much higher density of people. They would work here in high density corridors but mostly would cost the taxpayer. I don’t know if there is a trade off of rail subsidy vs money saved on roads.
In Massachusetts, our governor and legislature are tripping all over eachother to bring casinos into our state. “JOBS!” they cry. “Keep the money in Massachusetts!” They seem to ignore the fact that casinos are well-designed to suck money OUT of the community..At least California’s guv is not only thinking of real, reasonably well-paying jobs, but bringing his state a notch up in public transportation, and an alternative to gas prices, which may climb again to record heights!
Ted hit the nail on the head. It’s an issue of demand. Driving and having the freedom to get up and go is far more valuable to the vast majority of Americans than using a commuter train. In Europe it works because you travel more than an hour in any one direction and you’re in a new country, and a new city. Driving in the smaller, historical streets isn’t as practical, so trains make sense. Here, with roads that are designed to accommodate cars as it’s part of our culture, trains will never see the kind of usage as they do in Europe. It’s ridiculous to argue that passenger trains in this country will generate enough revenue to sustain themselves. And that’s why these government decisions to build a rail — one the public absolutely does not want — is a waste of taxpayers dollars.
Absolutely correct. And let me add: this provided the gasoline-powered vehicle to take control of transportation. Since the oil companies owned the patents on electric power, electric and steam vehicle production ground to a halt. Again, never to return (at least in large quantities).
“So, those high-ridership lines are paying for their operation out of the fares they collect, right?”Are you referencing the NYsubway, metro systems?Commuter trains are public transportation. Dallas has a system they keep expanding.
old1953 said, about 5 hours ago@ConserveGov Just keep that attitude going, it’s got the kids so turned off they’ll start walking over fire to vote against Republicans. I love it."————————————————————————————————————-“Kids” always vote Dem and have liberal fantasies of saving trees, having everybody wealthy and fun choo-choo trains.Then MOST of us grow up, have a career, see how much money comes out of our paychecks, see the government waste that money on pet projects helping their big cash donors and then we become Republican.UNLESS you just never grow up and live an entire government dependent life. Then you stay an old Democrat.
ConserveGov over 9 years ago
Typical Liberal.Spend our hard-earned tax dollars on your own little pet project that greases your own cronies pockets.
SCOTTtheBADGER over 9 years ago
wmconelly: when is it a good time to build a high speed rail system no one will use? When is it a good time to squander money? Hello wm? Hello?
moosemin over 9 years ago
Let’s remain totally reliant on our cars, and on Oil/Gasoline from the world market.
Theodore E. Lind Premium Member over 9 years ago
Most rail commuter trains end up being subsidized by the public. Europe works because of the much higher density of people. They would work here in high density corridors but mostly would cost the taxpayer. I don’t know if there is a trade off of rail subsidy vs money saved on roads.
moosemin over 9 years ago
In Massachusetts, our governor and legislature are tripping all over eachother to bring casinos into our state. “JOBS!” they cry. “Keep the money in Massachusetts!” They seem to ignore the fact that casinos are well-designed to suck money OUT of the community..At least California’s guv is not only thinking of real, reasonably well-paying jobs, but bringing his state a notch up in public transportation, and an alternative to gas prices, which may climb again to record heights!
Wraithkin over 9 years ago
Ted hit the nail on the head. It’s an issue of demand. Driving and having the freedom to get up and go is far more valuable to the vast majority of Americans than using a commuter train. In Europe it works because you travel more than an hour in any one direction and you’re in a new country, and a new city. Driving in the smaller, historical streets isn’t as practical, so trains make sense. Here, with roads that are designed to accommodate cars as it’s part of our culture, trains will never see the kind of usage as they do in Europe. It’s ridiculous to argue that passenger trains in this country will generate enough revenue to sustain themselves. And that’s why these government decisions to build a rail — one the public absolutely does not want — is a waste of taxpayers dollars.
I Play One On TV over 9 years ago
Absolutely correct. And let me add: this provided the gasoline-powered vehicle to take control of transportation. Since the oil companies owned the patents on electric power, electric and steam vehicle production ground to a halt. Again, never to return (at least in large quantities).
eugene57 over 9 years ago
“So, those high-ridership lines are paying for their operation out of the fares they collect, right?”Are you referencing the NYsubway, metro systems?Commuter trains are public transportation. Dallas has a system they keep expanding.
Jason Allen over 9 years ago
My understanding is they still kept the money even though they didn’t build the bridge.
ConserveGov over 9 years ago
old1953 said, about 5 hours ago@ConserveGov Just keep that attitude going, it’s got the kids so turned off they’ll start walking over fire to vote against Republicans. I love it."————————————————————————————————————-“Kids” always vote Dem and have liberal fantasies of saving trees, having everybody wealthy and fun choo-choo trains.Then MOST of us grow up, have a career, see how much money comes out of our paychecks, see the government waste that money on pet projects helping their big cash donors and then we become Republican.UNLESS you just never grow up and live an entire government dependent life. Then you stay an old Democrat.