Comments on: More High-Speed Trains for Britain

By: construction jobs

construction jobs — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 15:17:00 +0000

The government is driving through this project even though the evidence suggests that there are cheaper alternatives well worth looking at that would relieve other overcrowded parts of the network, such as lines out of Paddington and Victoria.The advantage that HSR will have is that the infrastructure costs can be shared with freight. During nighttime when passenger use is down the rails can be filled with freight thus offering a faster and cheaper alternative to highway trucking.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:44:00 +0000

The important metric is cost per mile for HSR vs. flying.

If HSR can transport at a comparable price for moderate distance trips then it is a winner. And as petroleum prices continue to rise it’s going to be easier for HSR to take over from planes.

One advantage that HSR will have is that the infrastructure costs can be shared with freight. During nighttime when passenger use is down the rails can be filled with freight thus offering a faster and cheaper alternative to highway trucking. Same rails, same engines, just different rolling stock. (And cheaper electricity during off-peak.)

By: Zivbnd

Zivbnd — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:28:00 +0000

HSR works best when the population density is higher, it still works in a widely dispersed country like the US, but it doesn’t work as well and US HSR will probably cost more than its Euro and Asian equivalents due to that fact.

By: Scott Boldberg

Scott Boldberg — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:58:00 +0000

High speed rail makes sense everywhere.

By: jburt56

jburt56 — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:38:00 +0000

High speed rail makes sense in England.