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by socialismisok 1360 days ago
Only because we haven't tried. We could absolutely lay electrified track between our population centers. We choose not to, because the automobile is so built into our collective culture.

Should we move to EVs while we're building trains? Of course. Have we started moving to EVs without any movement on trains? Sadly, yes.
1 comments
s1artibartfast 1359 days ago
California Tried. They spent more than the transportation budget of most European countries and have very little to show for it besides higher taxes.
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alamortsubite 1359 days ago
California is trying. It was only yesterday that they eliminated minimum parking requirements, which stand in direct opposition to improvements to public transportation.

You may not realize it, but California's GDP is many times "most European countries." They have a way to go to catch up.

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s1artibartfast 1359 days ago
In case it wasn't clear, I am talk specifically about California high speed rail. The parent was we have tried to connect urban centers with rail.

This is because the US is no longer capable of infrastructure projects. There are number of reasons why and good articles on the topic if you are interested.

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socialismisok 1359 days ago
California is bigger in both geography and income than most European countries, so I'd expect them to spend more than most European countries.

And higher taxes usually come before the results.

Also, California has Elon Musk doing everything he can to avoid hearing the word "train".

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