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>while creating $355 in economic growth for the region in the long run typo/missing "million" or other qualifier behind the $355? Here's to hoping that they d

by floxy 2y ago

>while creating $355 in economic growth for the region in the long run typo/missing "million" or other qualifier behind the $355? Here's to hoping that they don't screw it up by putting too many stops in (looking at you Olympia). >Traveling at up to 250 mph And hope they don't end up watering down the speed. What is the likely-hood it won't have a TSA-like, get to the rail station and hour before departure? Doesn't seem like there are too many existing routes in the world above 200 MPH: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-speed_rail#Maximum_speed_in_service https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-speed_rail#Maximum_speed_... If it is only 150 MPH, that probably isn't enough to make it worthwhile over just driving from Seattle to Portland, once you factor in the inconveniences of not traveling on you own schedule, having to deal with transportation at the destination, have to drive to and from the terminal, parking at the terminal, etc.. Especially in 5-10 years when I'd expect "self-driving" to get noticeably better on cars. Hard to believe they'd start breaking ground on this new rail line before 2035. And begin operation in 2045?

plantwallshoe 2y ago
Having taken the train or driven between Portland and Seattle dozens of times, I can firmly say that the train is more convenient than driving even at its current 60-80mph speed. I5 traffic is brutal most hours of the day, so it’s faster on the train if you depart near rush hour. It’s only about 30 minutes slower if there is zero traffic on the highway. Then speed aside, the experience is much much more pleasant. I would much rather read and drink a beer than drive on the highway for three hours. The only downside is Amtrack is so poorly managed that the trains are often late to depart because of rail or mechanical issues. Having high speed rail between the cities would be so awesome.
- floxy 2y ago
  How full would you estimate the train cars are on the Seattle to Portland journeys you've been on?
  - plantwallshoe 2y ago
    It varies considerably. Friday and Sunday afternoons they’re usually very full. Saturday mornings they might be at like 30% capacity.
    - floxy 2y ago
      Thanks

by floxy 2y ago

plantwallshoe 2y ago

Having taken the train or driven between Portland and Seattle dozens of times, I can firmly say that the train is more convenient than driving even at its current 60-80mph speed. I5 traffic is brutal most hours of the day, so it’s faster on the train if you depart near rush hour. It’s only about 30 minutes slower if there is zero traffic on the highway. Then speed aside, the experience is much much more pleasant. I would much rather read and drink a beer than drive on the highway for three hours. The only downside is Amtrack is so poorly managed that the trains are often late to depart because of rail or mechanical issues. Having high speed rail between the cities would be so awesome.

floxy 2y ago
How full would you estimate the train cars are on the Seattle to Portland journeys you've been on?
- plantwallshoe 2y ago
  It varies considerably. Friday and Sunday afternoons they’re usually very full. Saturday mornings they might be at like 30% capacity.
  - floxy 2y ago
    Thanks