Vance
2008-06-24 14:06:26
Rail is great, when conditions allow. Population density is just one thing. Distances, terrain, access to right-of-way…and in America, environmental issues. Can you imagine the hassles involved with getting clearances through multiple states and over tens of thousands of separate “ecosystems”…? I have serious doubts it could even be done.
When the Japanese government owned the subways and railways, it was losing three trillion (yes, trillion) yen a year. They’ve been privatized and now show a profit.
If passenger rail can’t make money, it shouldn’t be subsidized as a form of performance art. If it can make money, then someone would build it. I don’t see anyone building it…..
