How trains could replace planes in Europe

Re:How trains could replace planes in Europe by Ericson2314 on Thursday November 11, 2021 @02:26PM (#29192024)

We should subsidize one and tax the other. Yes, flying needs to suck, but travel doesn't need to suck. Don't be too self-flagellist about this.

If we really subsidize trains, we will induce enough demand to make investments look better in nominal terms and shift the culture/politics by normalizing way more rail travel. Easy victory.

A problem is the Europeans are prudish about printing money with their bad ordoliberal EU Constitution.

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Re:How trains could replace planes in Europe by HPsquared on Thursday November 11, 2021 @03:07PM (#29192502)

Trains over long distances are always going to suck relative to planes, unless they're something like maglev or other ultra high speed design.

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Re:How trains could replace planes in Europe by ghaff on Thursday November 11, 2021 @03:49PM (#29192967)

"Suck" for certain dimensions. Travel is slower. Which can equate to cheaper (e.g. long distance buses) or can equate to roomier with more luxury--and more expensive. But there's not a lot of market these days for expensive, luxurious travel that takes a long time.

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Re:How trains could replace planes in Europe by Ericson2314 on Thursday November 11, 2021 @07:03PM (#29194842)

City center to city center transport with lots of room and good internet I can realistically work during? Sign me up.

I don't think people realize how much more travel we all could do with good cheap comfortable HSR everywhere. Stuff like go to Miami from North Carolina every weekend.

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