Submitted by Charles Newman on Wed, 03/05/2008 - 12:52pm.
Wed, 03/05/2008 - 12:52pm
I think a much more economic idea would be to start building electromagnetic propulsion lanes on the Interstate Highways. Since no gasoline would be used in these lanes pollution is reduced and they should be toll lanes to cover the cost of construction and electricity. The road would be connected to the grid, therefore no heavy expensive batterys are needed and the lanes could be designed for use by current vehicles. Since speed and space between vehicles would be computer controlled this could safely be a very high speed lane as well.
Submitted by ericweaver on Wed, 03/05/2008 - 11:10am.
Wed, 03/05/2008 - 11:10am
Light Rail or other rail transportation systems SOUND like such a good idea. The trouble is that any system like this is VERY inefficient in terms of congestion relief and people served per dollar spent.
It is important to note that once a rail transit agency gets it's nose under the tent, it becomes another perpetual patronage gravy train for local politicians. It will always run with a huge deficit, and this deficit will tend to increase over time.
Let's face it - if rail transit was possible to run at a profit in the Triangle, Norfolk Southern and CSX would already offer it. Their tracks are already there, so there would be a minimum of capital costs in such a system. And still it makes no financial sense.
So, let's face it: What we need to do NOW is to widen roads in the Triangle, and not to waste more time, money, and effort on whatever the TTA dreams up next.
Submitted by thmecharlie on Wed, 03/05/2008 - 12:57am.
Wed, 03/05/2008 - 12:57am
The money in rail service is freight, if we eliminate all rail and truck subsidies. More ton/miles per gallon of fuel. That is not the case with people. rail/people transport has failed w/subsidies every since the goverment took the railroad (and the taxpayers). Put all the semitrucks on the rail and off the roads. they will tear up roads and cars less and make for less congestion. Limit truck transport to urgent or perishable goods with limited miles. They shipped lettuce from california to new york fresh in the early 1900's and cheaper than trucking. at the time trucks could not make the trip period.
I think a much more economic idea would be to start building electromagnetic propulsion lanes on the Interstate Highways. Since no gasoline would be used in these lanes pollution is reduced and they should be toll lanes to cover the cost of construction and electricity. The road would be connected to the grid, therefore no heavy expensive batterys are needed and the lanes could be designed for use by current vehicles. Since speed and space between vehicles would be computer controlled this could safely be a very high speed lane as well.
Light Rail or other rail transportation systems SOUND like such a good idea. The trouble is that any system like this is VERY inefficient in terms of congestion relief and people served per dollar spent.
It is important to note that once a rail transit agency gets it's nose under the tent, it becomes another perpetual patronage gravy train for local politicians. It will always run with a huge deficit, and this deficit will tend to increase over time.
Let's face it - if rail transit was possible to run at a profit in the Triangle, Norfolk Southern and CSX would already offer it. Their tracks are already there, so there would be a minimum of capital costs in such a system. And still it makes no financial sense.
So, let's face it: What we need to do NOW is to widen roads in the Triangle, and not to waste more time, money, and effort on whatever the TTA dreams up next.
The money in rail service is freight, if we eliminate all rail and truck subsidies. More ton/miles per gallon of fuel. That is not the case with people. rail/people transport has failed w/subsidies every since the goverment took the railroad (and the taxpayers). Put all the semitrucks on the rail and off the roads. they will tear up roads and cars less and make for less congestion. Limit truck transport to urgent or perishable goods with limited miles. They shipped lettuce from california to new york fresh in the early 1900's and cheaper than trucking. at the time trucks could not make the trip period.