Quote:
Originally Posted by aigel
The issues with cars is that the system breaks down in any major city.
From experience I can tell you that living in LA or the Bay Area will quickly kill any "love" for cars. Unless you like to listen to the idle of your car sitting in traffic. My latest experience is how I commuted to a new job for about 6 months. Sent in my oil out of the TDI for analysis and the wear metals were high. The blackstone guys were questioning if I was driving in harsh conditions. The average speed I clocked on my commute was 23 mph. 
I went to ride the train and my bike and haven't looked back. As a result, I need one car less and I am not interested in a "cool" daily driver. The only driving I enjoy anymore is a cross state road trip, a track day or a drive up a canyon in the morning, before everyone is out and about.
G |
In your scenario no need for high speed rail, 40-60MPH network of rail works great.
There is a lot that makes high speed rail a poor choice compared to air travel.
But remove the high speed element and for shorter distances, especially in metropolis rail systems are very handy.
Urban life has an advantage that it can be setup where you can live your life without a car, you could even do without public transport by not having too great a distance to walk between groceries, work, etc...
There is certainly a threshold I would rather not be driving. This is multiplied by how well people look and think ahead when driving.
As my area builds up, where, how often, and how I get places is changing with it.
The big cat makes most traffic disappear. It is a relaxing car. The only stress when driving the big cat is if I feel pressured to be in a hurry. By adjusting when I leave that is avoided. I can take it through stop and go slow/no moving areas and still enjoy the car.
The 944 in contrast I will park and chill somewhere to avoid traffic.