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They're starting there precisely because there's nothing there and hence fewer obstacles (NIMBY and otherwise). Besides, that segment will have to be constructe
by Anechoic 16y ago
They're starting there precisely because there's nothing there and hence fewer obstacles (NIMBY and otherwise). Besides, that segment will have to be constructed eventually.
Starting in SF, SJ or LA makes more sense from a population standpoint, but you run the risk of the project being delayed or facing cost-overruns because of lawsuits and environmental concerns. If the CA HSR authority can get the starter segment up and running relatively smoothly, that might create more demand in the major metro areas and grease the skids somewhat.
- waterlesscloud 16y agoWith a ridership of approximately....0? And no one from any major city ever even seeing it, much less riding it? I think there has to be a better plan.
- waterlesscloud 16y agoAh, they just plan to build the track, not even run trains on it. They're saying they won't run trains until major metro areas are linked. Which makes it even more dubious in my mind.
- Anechoic 16y agoThey're also going to use the track as a local test facility for rolling stock and ancillary equipment. Again, this is stuff that's easier done outside of a major metro area and this link will need to be built anyway. You may as well work out the kinks (and there will be kinks) in a cheap area were you only have to worry about engineering challenges rather than engineering challenges and NIMBY issues.
- waterlesscloud 16y agoSo why not Merced-Fresno? Then you'd at least have some population to move around, and all the track would be just as cheap. Looking into it more, it emerges that they have to have an initial route approved in December in order to claim Federal money. So it's a panicked plan.