RE: Amtrak's high-speed rail vision for 2040: New York to Washington in 96 minutes
Not much of a "vision" here, I agree with most of the previous commentators.
Quantum changes in perception, planning, sourcing and initial ownership of a project of this magnitude need to be achieved and spelled out before undertaking a generations-spanning and benefiting activity.
Point taken from commentator about 8 miles of above-ground rail at 8 billions current dollars translates into well over 400 billions for this project. (But this is within existing bottlenecks of planning and execution)
Another point brought up here, the disparity of using two service models on the same rail, i.e. freight versus passenger (using narrow rail curves planned originally for slower moving freight do not adapt to passenger requirements) is taken well.
And then the argument (rightfully so for all current practices), that all passenger rail services can only run on heavy subsidies: That is true for Europe as well and might as well be just one way for governments to justify their presence and taxing authority!
After posting the above caveats; Now here it comes:
1) Foremost has to be a re-thinking of passenger rail transportation. It has to be way lighter and more energy efficient than previous models:
A pod-like train configuration comes to mind. Only as needed the train gets added modules; all of which are made of high impact new carbon reinforced plastics. Seating and luggage allowance to mimic air travel.
Forget about Locomotives the old way, way too heavy! Either distribute propelling energy over the whole train or devise new lightweight pulling/pushing engines.
2) To accommodate the extra speed, lets follow federal highway lanes. Put up a second level above those streets-, no new land-gobbling schemes needed!
The mono-rail-type bridge-structures required will be less capital-intensive because of advancements put into place to lighten rail traffic as above mentioned.
3) Ownership during this transition phase should be with the US Government. Buy out the existing private ownership interests just like a bank bailout. Then do the job with ease because you are the Government, then sell those shares at a profit and let private interests do the running of these entities.
Looking forward to comments of my approach!(simplistic, naive, never done before, etc).
