“Green New Deal” - And Planes, Trains and Automobiles

Frontpagemagazine ^ | February 15, 2019 | Lloyd Billingsley

[hanamizu]

it takes just as much time for say, a CA trip.

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L.A. to San Diego—maybe. But securing the right of way would be next to impossibly expensive. And you’d still need the taxi/bus/rental car when you got there. L.A. to S.F. I’m pretty sure would take more time even counting TSA pleasantries and don’t forget, the train would be making stops along the way.

L.A. to Vegas looks like it could be doable, but that idea didn’t get very far. I’ve ridden the Shinkansen in Japan and it is very good, but the electricity for the train is basically paid for by higher electric rates for consumers. And that’s the rub anyway. Where is the electricity coming from to power the trains? PG&E seems to be in a bit of trouble nowadays, and California is against new power plants unless they are ‘green’.

[morphing libertarian]

already have a right of way SD to LA.

My vegas idea funded at first by hotel tax and gambling oj board the train.

Hi speed trains Burbank and Ontario to Barstow, no other stops. Then 1 line Barstow to vegas,. Trains start at Burbank and Ontario airports.

This more than any other presents a possibility of self-funding once it gets going. If priorate company doesn’t want it, then don’t do it.

[hanamizu]

already have a right of way SD to LA.

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Is the right of way the existing tracks? I ask because the Shinkansen has no vehicle crossings and the existing tracks do.

I think your vision for LA to LV might work. Nearly as quick as a plane, parking at the airports and if the train goes to the LV airport no need for much transit at that end.

[morphing libertarian]

yes existing rights of way are mostly level with the crossing streets. Any high speed in cities will require fencing or other security considerations.

[the OlLine Rebel]

And that’s just it...trains make stops. That is GOOD. One route can cover multiple places. And it adds to why it takes longer.

Yes, you need to get somewhere else when you finish the train, EXCEPT often they are smack dab IN an important location. AND you don’t wait for the baggage carousel. Your bags are right there. Meanwhile, the TSA garbage adds at least 2 hrs to any trip, mooting shorter air trips to where the ROI is nil or worse. So far, NO other transport has the TSA breathing down their throats and taking people’s pants off wasting time.

I am not saying we need to make new trains or anything. I am saying the arguments against should be strictly that gov has NO BUSINESS making or breaking business, including transport. I tire of the arguments diverting to whether trains are worthwhile or not. That is NOT the point.

[hanamizu]

FWIW I’m old enough to remember taking long-distance trips on trains in the west as a kid. It was a wonderful way to travel. The scenery was remarkable, the room and comfort remarkable, meals were first-rate. I miss them, but I doubt they’re ever coming back.

[Liz]

Actually, AOC's Green New Deal has something to recommend it......

AOC wants to get rid of farting cows......she clearly means Sheila Jackson Lee.