[bombcar]

That's what rail banking is - the railroads want to keep the property (it's somewhat valuable though weirdly shaped) but more importantly want to keep the ability to run a line (which is potentially insanely valuable, because running a line where one hasn't been before is a hell of eminent domain and negotiations).

Railbanking is a good way to let the land be used while not forcing the railroad to "pretend" it is still an active line.

[ethbr1]

IMHO, it's a good idea. Running new contiguous multi-state rail lines suffer from a host of unique problems -- not least that the more uncooperative last-link property owner holdouts are, the more their property becomes worth.

Good use case for a public-private bargain, where the public gets the utility of a trail (and potentially a functional railroad, if needed in the future) and private gets to keep the most valuable land utilization rights (ability to convert back to railroad).

One of my historical fascinations is watching the co-evolution of rail and telecommunications line networks, since both have similar needs.

[toast0]

> One of my historical fascinations is watching the co-evolution of rail and telecommunications line networks, since both have similar needs.

There's a lot of cross over. One history of Sprint evolved long distance service as a way to make money off Southern Pacific's internal phone services, that were mostly run in rail right of way. I've heard of specialized fiber laying train cars that trench, lay fiber, and cover it up as the car moves along the track.

Communication and transportation routes are broadly compatible.