|
|
|
|
|
|
by pikseladam
669 days ago
|
|
|
Europe's high-speed rail isn't perfect, but it's still miles ahead of what we have in the U.S. Sure, there are delays and issues, but it connects cities efficiently and offers a real alternative to flying. Instead of just criticizing, maybe we should focus on how to bring some of those benefits here. |
|
|
That starts with a realistic appraisal.
I was surprised to learn, recently, that New York’s Metro-North and LIRR have 95%+ on-time rates [1]. (On time is defined as less than 6 minutes late [2].) This is vastly superior to the DB’s 65% system average.
This is partly because it’s a well-built system. But it’s partly because it has to be to compete. European-style passenger rail is simply too expensive and inconvenient to work in America, given how spread out we are and our legacy investments into roads and rural airports. Instead, regional rail offers a proven success model for getting people out of their cars. (Drive-on / drive-off is also worth exploring.)
[1] https://www.metro-magazine.com/10217862/metro-north-lirr-exp...
[2] https://www.osc.ny.gov/files/reports/pdf/report-9-2025.pdf