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So this leads to an interesting set of problems. High speed, or even decently fast rail, needs track that is generally less curvy, maintained to a higher stand
by bobthepanda 5y ago
So this leads to an interesting set of problems.
High speed, or even decently fast rail, needs track that is generally less curvy, maintained to a higher standard, etc. and that costs money. European cargo networks generally don't make money because track access fees are really high, particularly, if, say, you want to use that new 250kph tunnel through the Alps that cost billions of dollars.
American freight rails are profitable, but that's because they totally shit on passenger rail. The tracks are congested, and in extremely poor shape. But that's fantastic for freight rail; a lot of what moves by freight rail doesn't necessarily need to be truly quick.
China split the difference by building a whole new high-speed passenger rail network to free up space for freight trains on the older network. This seems to work out, but China Railways has a balance sheet that would make Westerners blanche.
- sudosysgen 5y agoThe balance sheet would only make westerners miss a beat if they aren't aware of the balance sheet of the alternative, roads and cars, which is an order magnitude worse pound for pound.
- bobthepanda 5y agoNo, there's not really a universe in which the high speed lines to Urumqi or Lhasa really make any (financial) sense. They literally do not sell enough tickets to pay to energize the wires.
- sudosysgen 5y agoAgain, you're still doing what I said you shouldn't do. Compare those to highways to nowhere in the United States, or to many northern roafs in Canada. They are not used nearly enough to justify paying for their maintenance either, but we understand their necessity so that everyone is connected.
- bobthepanda 5y agoI mean, there’s also a non-high speed rail connecting those areas as well. The high speed rail was unnecessary. It’s the same way we don’t have a six lane interstate going to Alaska from the lower 48, but a two lane road.
- sudosysgen 5y agoUpgrades to the rail system were necessary. The shared passenger and cargo lines weren't workable.