Quote:
Originally Posted by wdfifteen
So? You want a technical argument. The OP has lots of technical statements in it - so argue with them.
|
The OPs linked article is really well written and presented. This little nugget stood out:
"...the rolling resistance coefficient for steel on steel contact is, at its worst, 30 times lower than that of rubber on asphalt." The article is full of that type of stuff.
I am not an engineer but I have managed a lot of complex programs and really enjoyed his perspective.
Quote:
Originally Posted by RWebb
Rail can be faster than flying over "medium distances" and is less susceptible to terrorist attack impacts.
|
Not in the US, especially AMTRAK...there are no baggage checks, ID checks or "security" at the Metro and AMTRAK stations I frequent. Zippy - you could bring on whatever your weapon of choice is.
Which, in an odd twist, is why I take the train on the NE corridor. The BWI AMTRAK station is right on the airport. The Metro and AMTRAK mobile apps are really good and I can get a ticket at any time. I never get to the station more than 20 minutes in advance.
At the airport, conversely, I need to be at parking at least an hour and a 1/2 before my flight. I am already an hour ahead. I also like the fact that AMTRAK has quiet cars and web access so I can work on the train.
As well, certain weather has no impact on trains while all the weather machinations do for flight.
Again, engineering aside, logistics drives transportation modes - I like trains in the NE corridor because they are logistically efficient for me.