Status of High-speed Rail in US--some good, much bad - Page 2

The Cheat · #21 Posted: **Nov 12, 2006, 11:16 PM**

I was only aware of the one that was cancelled after lobbying by Southwest Airlines. I'm not aware of any new proposals.

ajfroggie · #22 Posted: **Dec 2, 2006, 4:48 PM**

Quote:

Empire Corridor: the 437-mile New York to Albany route has sections upgraded to 110 MPH and there is a planned express that would run New York to Albany in 2:10, averaging 65 MPH. The refurbishment of the Turboliner train sets was cancelled by NYS and the sets already done have been put in storage. Now, the state is looking for ways to improve the existing service.

Jumping in a few weeks late here, but some of the numbers here don't make sense.

New York (assuming Penn Station) to Albany is only in the range of about 150 miles. I just bought Amtrak tickets (my first time on Amtrak BTW), and my reservation information shows a 2h30m trip up and a 2h25m trip back. So it's already averaging around 60 MPH...

Downtown Bolivar · #23 Posted: **Dec 3, 2006, 2:18 AM**

The Empire corridor stretched from Niagara Falls and Buffalo in western NY, east to Albany where it turns south to NYC. I think that the above info is a misprint.

The Cheat · #24 Posted: **Dec 3, 2006, 8:28 AM**

It should be the "437-mile New York to Buffalo via Albany route".

ajfroggie · #25 Posted: **Dec 3, 2006, 11:07 AM**

That's what I figured, but the times mentioned were from New York to Albany, and aren't really much faster than what already exists (based on my tickets).

zilfondel · #26 Posted: **Dec 3, 2006, 10:54 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Cheat

Typically you would have new ROW only in the suburban and rural areas between cities, and use existing trackage in urban areas. This is how most HSR lines in Europe work.

Anyway, I would favor an incremental approach instead of trying to build the most expensive option all at once.

Or you connect the main trunk route through a tunnel under downtown, like they do in Berlin, Brussels, London, etc, etc, etc.

Smiley Person · #27 Posted: **Dec 24, 2006, 2:23 AM**

I made some propaganda for California High Speed Rail as an entry for a local anime convention contest...

can anyone identify the two towers on the last page?

foxmtbr · #28 Posted: **Dec 24, 2006, 8:26 AM**

^ Of course I can, but I'm not going to ruin anyone's fun.

urban_encounter · #29 Posted: **Dec 24, 2006, 2:43 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smiley Person

can anyone identify the two towers on the last page?

hmmm, are they in Fresno?

foxmtbr · #30 Posted: **Dec 24, 2006, 7:05 PM**

^ No, obviously Bakersfield!

neuhickman79 · #31 Posted: **Dec 28, 2006, 2:56 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by foxmtbr

^ No, obviously Bakersfield!

Oooh! I know...I know...BARSTOW!

twoNeurons · #32 Posted: **Dec 28, 2006, 4:59 PM**

The girl has freakishly large hands.

twoNeurons · #33 Posted: **Dec 28, 2006, 5:00 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by zilfondel

Or you connect the main trunk route through a tunnel under downtown, like they do in Berlin, Brussels, London, etc, etc, etc.

Berlin uses the S-Bahn stations and ROW. Or in other words, elevated.

Owlhorn · #34 Posted: **Dec 28, 2006, 8:36 PM**

I love how we can never afford anything in the world's wealthiest nation. Also love how everything is unprofitable. Its time for the powers that be to start admitting why we can't afford things(because thesre are Southwest Airlines all over the country with their hands in pockets). Why is it hard to get alternative fuel vehicles in the US? Why do you think? Sickening how corporations run us. There's simply no good reason there shouldn't be high speed rail in Texas with as many flights Southwest flies between the Texas Triangle.

crazyjoeda · #35 Posted: **Dec 28, 2006, 8:47 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by tintinium

The girl has freakishly large hands.

lol
Man Hands.

bmfarley · #36 Posted: **Dec 28, 2006, 9:23 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smiley Person

can anyone identify the two towers on the last page?

Before I saw the question... I wondered if the left one was teh Omni Hotel in downtown San Diego. It's right next to Petco park, home of the Padres. However, I'm unsure of the Tea Club.

Comics like this one need to keep coming! For teh California high Speed Rail to get on track needs more people to be aware of it and willing to vote for it in November 2008.

J Church · #37 Posted: **Dec 28, 2006, 9:37 PM**

Smiley, that's awesome. Check your PM.

bmfarley · #38 Posted: **Dec 31, 2006, 9:08 AM**

I came across some interesting YouTube high speed train videos with music soundtracks... they inspied me to share with others here.

French TGV:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8l9P6UKlis

and

2 Dutch Trains traveling side by side
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-5vQqUX__M

CTroyMathis · #39 Posted: **Jan 1, 2007, 4:14 PM**

Whoa Smiley, cool drawings.

wxjay · #40 Posted: **Jan 21, 2007, 5:39 AM**

The Atlanta-Macon track is VERY MUCH needed. This would be the site of a commuter rail, which I believe is beyond due for Atlanta. I can only wish that even 1% of these high-speed rails will come to fruition.