This is something I've wanted to discuss for awhile, and since it came up in the "hefty air passenger" thread, I thought now would be a good time.
I've always been disappointed that high speed train travel isn't an option in this country. I don't really care for any part of flying (mostly because it messes up my sinuses), and I love road trips. But I'd really like to travel by train. As was mentioned in the other thread, long distance train travel just isn't practical. The schedules are inconvenient, and the cost is not really competitive.
So, here's the scenario: Suppose you were taking a 500 mile trip (one way) by yourself. Let's say you could drive for ~$75 (25-30mpg @ $4/g), and it would take you 7-8 hours (gotta stop for lunch and a break or two). Let's say you could fly for $175, and it would take you a little over an hour in the air, but more like 3 hours from the time you left your house to grabbing your luggage at your destination. My question is, how fast would a train have to get you there, and what would you be willing to pay?
I've always been disappointed that high speed train travel isn't an option in this country. I don't really care for any part of flying (mostly because it messes up my sinuses), and I love road trips. But I'd really like to travel by train. As was mentioned in the other thread, long distance train travel just isn't practical. The schedules are inconvenient, and the cost is not really competitive.
So, here's the scenario: Suppose you were taking a 500 mile trip (one way) by yourself. Let's say you could drive for ~$75 (25-30mpg @ $4/g), and it would take you 7-8 hours (gotta stop for lunch and a break or two). Let's say you could fly for $175, and it would take you a little over an hour in the air, but more like 3 hours from the time you left your house to grabbing your luggage at your destination. My question is, how fast would a train have to get you there, and what would you be willing to pay?