One of the problems with our Mass Transit System in the United States is its inability to interconnect with other regional and metro systems. A more cohesive plan is needed and Amtrak isn't the answer. We need more rider-ship, lower costs and greater economies of scale, which must be based on reality, not pet project politics.
One way to save money is to spend more in the technological capital constructing of these projects and stack the deck with the highest of high tech. For instance the use of pilot-less trains is one innovation being looked at. High Speed Trains have a great advantage over short distances over standing in line boarding a plane and getting off a plane and finding a cab, shuttle or picking up a higher priced rent-a-car (supply and demand issues with decreased air travel). If you consider the two hours ahead of time they require for check in and screening, the one hour to get off the plane and get your checked bags, stand at the curb, drive to the location or hotel you can see that a 200 mph train; has the over all advantage. Consider 3 hours at 200 mph is 600 miles. Distances of 700-800 mile trips, would be much better served by high-speed train VS an airliner. Even if you could fill up an entire A380, it would take an hour and a half just to load the plane and deplane. Distances, which are under 150 miles people usually will prefer to drive. So those mileages between 150 miles to 800 miles a bullet train is best.
For those not wishing to fly for fear of flying, they may wish to travel up to 1500 miles or more by bullet train. The length of California on the 5 Freeway is about 1000 miles (try that in a truck at 55 mph?), similar to the width of Texas. Driving across TX can be a living hell and cause you to want to kiss the ground at the first off ramps in Louisiana or Las Cruses, New Mexico. Travelers have often made these "living hell" comments traveling from Denver to Kansas City.
The distance from between NYC and Florida is about 900 miles (not an especially satisfying drive when you throw in Florida's length), Salt Lake to San Francisco 600 miles, Denver to Chicago 900 miles, Detroit to D.C. 700 miles so you can see the benefits. One reoccurring idea from soccer moms traveling is to; piggy-back on flat bed rail cars, like ferry. The high-speed train could streak across the region and then you simply drive off. In studying this concept which seems more than relevant could be done by modifying the TTX Auto Hauler Trailers design for high-speed rail and put in a couple of portable toilets so you could get out and use the restroom.
Then you have your car when you get there. Trains with no engineers are here and this is one way we can take out human error and reduce costs. Perhaps with the strong union controls in New Jersey, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Massachusetts, Connecticut. Maryland and D.C. it may not be feasible in this decade, but surely for cargo transport trains it could be done. Eventually these new technologies could be introduced and we can enjoy the economies of scale needed to vastly improve our current flow of transportation. Think about it.
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