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>Planes are entirely valid solution to the problem of traveling between LA and SF The problem is that LA and SF-area airports are almost at capacity and increa
by Anechoic 15y ago
>Planes are entirely valid solution to the problem of traveling between LA and SF
The problem is that LA and SF-area airports are almost at capacity and increasing that capacity through adding runways or building new airports would be a significant undertaking (several 10s of $billions) that would face a number of hurdles. Air travel is also affected by weather issues that don't affect HSR.
- oconnore 15y agoAnd air travel is less efficient, noisier, and dependent on fossil fuels than gliding over a maglev track.
- cshesse 15y agoAs far as I know, the High Speed Rail system is not maglev and modern trains have roughly them same energy efficiency as modern planes.
- nkurz 15y agoThat's interesting. I'd instinctively presumed that HSR would be much more energy efficient than flying, but the quick research I did indicates you are right. Electric HSR probably has the edge if you are willing to assume hydroelectric generation, but it mostly comes down to projected ridership. A full plane beats and empty train, and vice versa.