Again, that's only because we've built out the road and air infrastructure so extensively, while neglecting rail.
-
-
Replying to @capntransit @uncriticalsimon
Really not sure how you can call a nationwide network of profitable freight rail companies--which command one of the highest mode shares in the world--"neglecting rail" Neglecting passenger rail, sure--but that's because they prioritize freight so much!
1 reply 0 retweets 4 likes -
Replying to @380kmh @uncriticalsimon
How many highway lane-miles were built by the government in the past seventy years? How many track-miles, net, were built by the government?
2 replies 0 retweets 1 like -
Replying to @capntransit @uncriticalsimon
How many highway lane-miles existed 70 years ago vs how many track-miles existed 70 years ago?
2 replies 0 retweets 0 likes -
You look at the EU or Japan, they also built a lot more highways than railways in the past 70 years. Ditto for countries like China more recently. The reason is obvious; highway construction was something new, while rail construction was fine-tuning something already extensive
2 replies 0 retweets 1 like -
-
Replying to @capntransit @uncriticalsimon
Isn't it? You could say the same about how many airports we built vs seaports or train terminals
3 replies 0 retweets 0 likes -
Anyway, my point from the get-go still stands: it's not clear how much more freight we realistically *can* carry by rail, as we already carry a greater share by rail than most other industrialized countries, whereas those with better passenger rail mode shares carry less freight.
3 replies 0 retweets 3 likes -
Replying to @380kmh @uncriticalsimon
That's more of a point about your imagination than about what can be "realistically" (a huge weasel word) done.
1 reply 0 retweets 0 likes -
Replying to @capntransit @uncriticalsimon
What can realistically be done is increase rail's mode share in passenger traffic, reducing the mode share for private cars. This would have a larger impact on public safety & the environment than getting even more of our freight traffic onto trains, bc cars are so dominant.
2 replies 0 retweets 2 likes
That said, if you have any ideas about how to get more of our <250mi deliveries to go by train, I'm all ears.
-
-
Replying to @380kmh @capntransit
The trouble is that the US railroads which tried that are the ones which went bust.
0 replies 0 retweets 0 likesThanks. Twitter will use this to make your timeline better. UndoUndo
-
Loading seems to be taking a while.
Twitter may be over capacity or experiencing a momentary hiccup. Try again or visit Twitter Status for more information.