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Title: This animated map shows how radically a high-speed train system would improve travel in the US
Source:
YouTube
URL Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyJEQjabJjI
Published: Aug 14, 2016
Author: Business Insider
Post Date: 2016-12-16 11:28:49 by Willie Green
Keywords: None
Views: 10544
Comments: 35
The US's railroad network is made up of around 140,000 miles of track, but many of our trains are slow and outdated. Over the last couple of decades, countries like China, Japan, the UK, and France have made large investments in high-speed rail, and some groups in the US are urging that we do the same. Here's what a high-speed rail network could look like in the US.
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Begin Trace Mode for Comment # 6.
#3. To: Willie Green (#0)
(Edited)
So, 17,000 miles of 220 mph tracks. The one thing your video didn't show was the cost of this boondoggle. From another article: "The environmental analysis report for the California high-speed rail projects costs of $33 billion for 400 miles." So we're looking at around $1.5 trillion for 17,000 m miles. With cost overruns, it'll be more like $3.0 trillion.
And yearly direct high speed rail track operations and maintenance costs of at least $200,000 per route mile. Plus 10% O&M overhead. Plus 10% of O&M for contingency spending.
Plus the cost of the trains themselves. And using Amtrak as a guide, 40% of the ticket price will be subsidized by the federal government.
I love AMTRAK. It's often cheaper and quicker than bus travel and VASTLY more comfortable. However, without enormous government subsidies, there is no way it would survive. I'll just have to leave it to the taxpayer to decide.
#7. To: no gnu taxes (#6)
I miss Trailways.
Without the Acela Express for members of Congress, it wouldn't get those subsidies.
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#4. To: misterwhite (#3)
So we're looking at around $1.5 trillion for 17,000 mil miles miles. With cost overruns, it'll be more like $3.0 trillion.
#5. To: Roscoe (#4)
"And yearly direct high speed rail track operations and maintenance costs of at least $200,000 per route mile. Plus 10% O&M overhead. Plus 10% of O&M for contingency spending."
#6. To: misterwhite (#5)
Replies to Comment # 6. 
#10. To: no gnu taxes (#6)
"However, without enormous government subsidies, there is no way it would survive."
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