[unmole]

China expanded high speed rail that can't be used for freight. It makes perfect sense to connect megalopolises with such a network. But when you start building out to Podunk provincial towns when the passengers can't afford the high prices, they'll continue to take the bus. Meanwhile your shining example for modernity and progress turns into a debt bomb.

[eushebdbsh]

>China expanded high speed rail that can't be used for freight.

building out passenger rail frees up capacity for freight on old rail :)

this is actually a big reason HS2 in bongland is (was) getting built

[unmole]

> building out passenger rail frees up capacity for freight on old rail :)

Only if the high-speed rail gets used by passengers. If it's unaffordable, people won't use it.

[Symbiote]

No, since the previous fast trains aren't run on the old tracks any more. Due to stopping distances etc, you can fit several freight trains in the space needed for one express train.