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> In fact, it's often more expensive to take an Amtrak train from New York City to Boston than to fly. Why does the US, a country that created billionaire railr

> In fact, it's often more expensive to take an Amtrak train from New York City to Boston than to fly. Why does the US, a country that created billionaire railroad tycoons, have such an expensive and inefficient train system? Japan has the most efficient train system in the world. For example, in the next half hour there are four bullet trains departing from Tokyo to Osaka (550 km), each taking less than 2:40. There's no need to buy in advance, no long security or boarding lines: you just go to the station whenever, buy a ticket, and get on the next train. The train service is extremely popular, likely each of the trains I mentioned will be at least half full. Nevertheless, flying is cheaper.

m463 8y ago
I wonder about the economics of the Japanese bullet trains. Are they profitable? Are cars so expensive in Japan that the cost of a train ticket can be higher in comparison to the US?
- pornel 8y ago
  The trains go at 200mph (while being extremely safe, spacious and comfortable), so driving is a very slow and unappealing alternative.
- dagw 8y ago
  No, the trains are faster and more comfortable. Driving Tokyo-Osaka is probably 6 hours, while the train is less than 3. saving 3 hours each way on a trip is worth a lot of money to a lot of people. Imagine you work in Osaka and have a meeting in Tokyo. If you're driving you'd have to leave a day early, and spend a night in a hotel, leave as soon as possible after the meeting and probably wouldn't be home before midnight. With the train you hop on the train in the morning, work all the way to Tokyo, attend the meeting, grab the first train back and finish up any work you had on your way home.
jfim 8y ago
Trains in Japan are also extremely convenient, with good connections to local public transit and with tons of stores nearby. In comparison, going to the Haneda or Narita takes at least 40 minutes from downtown Tokyo and requires all the security theater, boarding and deplaning, that adds up to quite a lot.

m463 8y ago

I wonder about the economics of the Japanese bullet trains. Are they profitable? Are cars so expensive in Japan that the cost of a train ticket can be higher in comparison to the US?

pornel 8y ago
The trains go at 200mph (while being extremely safe, spacious and comfortable), so driving is a very slow and unappealing alternative.
dagw 8y ago
No, the trains are faster and more comfortable. Driving Tokyo-Osaka is probably 6 hours, while the train is less than 3. saving 3 hours each way on a trip is worth a lot of money to a lot of people. Imagine you work in Osaka and have a meeting in Tokyo. If you're driving you'd have to leave a day early, and spend a night in a hotel, leave as soon as possible after the meeting and probably wouldn't be home before midnight. With the train you hop on the train in the morning, work all the way to Tokyo, attend the meeting, grab the first train back and finish up any work you had on your way home.

jfim 8y ago

Trains in Japan are also extremely convenient, with good connections to local public transit and with tons of stores nearby. In comparison, going to the Haneda or Narita takes at least 40 minutes from downtown Tokyo and requires all the security theater, boarding and deplaning, that adds up to quite a lot.