New Rail Study

[Bob C]

Russ, i can't argue with or accept the $3000/seat cost, but anyone who travels other than main terminal cities knows the air fare to somewhere has no relation to the distance traveled, but with how many seats are filled (or not) on the plane, and a bunch of other seemingly nonsensical criteria. Fill a Wide-Body, and you can afford to fly cheaply per seat - even better if it's 3, 4, or more flights on the same route (and returns to another "popular" destination) - crew and equipment costs, a larger divisor on fuel costs, some freight $$$ to those busy terminals, etc. Try flying to somewhere off the business/vacation/ airline's hub list - WOW, it can run you OVER $1.00 per air mile (close to the cost you quoted). Trains can't gain by skipping stops, they don't have an established clientele to judge how many seats they need on what trip at what time (large variances), and you have to take your seats most of the route, full or not for the whole trip, costing fuel crew and equipment. Rail is different, and the last time it "worked", it had little competition (I won't even mention trolleys/interurbans - which might be part of the solution we're looking for), let alone government subsidized modes. The "high-Speed Rail" thing is "sexy" - but only possible, let alone realistic and viable in a few areas/situations. The "BUZZ" will get the $$$ for some folks by generating "studies" for consultants at outrageous costs, and they'll just tell the subscriber what he wants to hear. The size of the US and Canada, our suburban sprawl and vast rural and wilderness areas to cross between service centers, the competitive environment, the conditional desires of potential users, makes a near-term cost effective, un-subsidized passenger rail solution elusive, at best, and "High-Speed" rail, at distances where it can be more than a proof-of-concept or civic competitive pride showpiece, little more than expensive smoke and mirrors. And remember, the other modes aren't standing still, and those rubber tires are squealing already! Bob C.