Here's how Amtrak compares China's bullet train

Shop deals on ebay
Advertise with us
shop deals on amazon
Amtrak Unlimited Discussion Forum

Help Support Amtrak Unlimited Discussion Forum:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.
TinCan782

TinCan782

Engineer
AU Supporting Member
Joined
Jan 15, 2012
Messages
4,295
Location
CWT
Interesting comparison except they really didn't fairly compare. Someone not acquainted with Amtrak really won't get a good picture of Amtrak.

Speaking of Amtrak in the opening paragraphs: "...and it hasn't made a profit since its establishment. The federal government continues to subsidize its operations to the tune of $1 billion every year,..." No mention that China, and most other countries, subsidizes it passenger rail service as well.

In the slide show, the caption on one of the images: "On bullet trains in China, business class seats recline with a footrest." Hey B.I., why not mention that business class, AND coach, on Amtrak has the same thing?

http://www.businessinsider.com/trains-in-us-china-differences-2017-5
 
The ultimate difference...which country would you rather live in?

Under a totalitarian government, or one that won't let its leader achieve that status? (No politics here, please)...

Sure we could do what China does, if we did have a dictator, but I for one, would not make that sacrifice to get better trains and other infrastructure...
 
railiner said:
The ultimate difference...which country would you rather live in?

Under a totalitarian government, or one that won't let its leader achieve that status? (No politics here, please)...

Sure we could do what China does, if we did have a dictator, but I for one, would not make that sacrifice to get better trains and other infrastructure...
Click to expand...
So you post a blatantly political opinion post with zero rail content and in it say "no politics here". Hope that was just your sense of humor showing through :p
 
I think Railiners point is that if there was an outcry from the voters to pour resources into a rail system, our elected leaders would do it. We've had virtually an even split between parties in charge over the last 50 years. Rail is not and will never be a priority, except in the NEC where masses of residents need it for business. Comparisons with China or Europe are a waste of time. They do some things better than we do and Vice versa.

Our intercity human transport system is automobile and air, with rail being an afterthought in most parts of the country. It would be sad if those of us who have the time and inclination to travel 1,000 miles or more by rail will no longer be able to do so.
 
leacrane said:
I think Railiners point is that if there was an outcry from the voters to pour resources into a rail system, our elected leaders would do it. We've had virtually an even split between parties in charge over the last 50 years. Rail is not and will never be a priority, except in the NEC where masses of residents need it for business. Comparisons with China or Europe are a waste of time. They do some things better than we do and Vice versa.

Our intercity human transport system is automobile and air, with rail being an afterthought in most parts of the country. It would be sad if those of us who have the time and inclination to travel 1,000 miles or more by rail will no longer be able to do so.
Click to expand...
If the rest of the nation had something anywhere near the frequency of trips and routes to various cites I am sure the ridership out in the rest of the country would be far greater. The first big mistake was cutting the system to almost nothing when it was first run by Amtrak. If trains don't go there your not going to have the ridership. The second thing I think of is that if the national system has to go then so should the east coast. The tax payers are footing the bill, if we all don't get to share then we shouldn't be paying. Let NY

and Conn., NH and other east coast states then fund it, if they are the sole users.
 
jis said:
railiner said:
The ultimate difference...which country would you rather live in?

Under a totalitarian government, or one that won't let its leader achieve that status? (No politics here, please)...

Sure we could do what China does, if we did have a dictator, but I for one, would not make that sacrifice to get better trains and other infrastructure...
Click to expand...
So you post a blatantly political opinion post with zero rail content and in it say "no politics here". Hope that was just your sense of humor showing through :p
Click to expand...
Oops.... :giggle:
 
You might be surprised to know how big a portion of Chinese students I work with, who are among the few who have a realistic choice of living in US vs Chiba, choose to go back. Interesting enough, neither politics or trains seem to factor much into their decisions. :giggle:
 

Latest posts

Back
Top