Quote:
Originally Posted by edn88
Isn't part of the appeal of high speed rail is that you don't need jet fuel to make it go? You can generate electricity (yes I know - still using energy) to get the train there?
I would say that if you can come up with alternative electrical options (solar, wind, etc) travelling by train will one day have to be cheaper than by plane. I know if I could catch a train to Edmonton or Vancouver (or Toronto) that got me there in close to the normal time, I would be all over it. Especially if you are travelling with a family.
It might be that we need to put the infrastructure in now while we can afford it and are capable of doing it...
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Trains will never come close to the same as a plane for Vancouver because of the impassibility of the terrain. Vancouver is only twice as far away from Calgary as Edmonton yet conservatively takes 4 times as long to drive probably closer to 5, trains would be dealing with similar issues. going through the mountains.
As for Toronto, it's too far away for trains to be effective in replacing air travel. High speed rail is indicated for trip between 250-900km, toronto is well beyond that.