Comments on: Waiting on a Train

By: Frank James Davis

Frank James Davis — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 07:21:52 +0000

Really, Oinonio. I notice you conveniently chose not to address my modifier “government-subsidized.”
Most modern railroads–and certainly, just about all those operating in the United States–would not be possible were it not for a constant and generous infusion of taxpayer money. In other words, these “businesses” would not–indeed, should not–exist in a free country. Very much like a brain-dead patient is, for a time, involuntarily “kept alive” by medical machinery, railroads providing personal travel are only manifest because the government forcibly takes sufficient money from its citizens to cover operating costs. Most unfairly, even from citizens who have no use for rail travel..
If the railroad traveler suddenly had to pay the full and actual fare, passenger trains would–with dizzying speed–disappear back into the romantic past to which they belong.

By: ndaily

ndaily — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 20:21:31 +0000

Elevated, high-speed monorail: safer, faster, very little disruption to existing infrastructure (does not disturb existing roads or railroad tracks), and cheaper to build and maintain — the 21st century transportation solution.

By: oinonio

oinonio — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 23:38:45 +0000

Really, Frank? “a government subsidized anachronism?” Have you ever ridden an Acela from Boston to NYC or DC on a weekday? Hardly the anachronism, its filled with corporate types, hammering out emails over the wifi, and yammering on smartphones. They’re turning a profit Frank, whereas without Acela, they’d be turning a steering wheel. No, Frank, the truly anachronistic technology is the automobile. It’s just so Twentieth Century!

By: Frank James Davis

Frank James Davis — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 02:16:29 +0000

Except for a few freight-related functions, railroads are a government-subsidized anachronism. They are very much like a mere amusement ride.
Appreciate the romance; abhor the waste.

By: John Emerson

John Emerson — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 00:59:34 +0000

I enjoyed the article, but was a bit disconcerted by spelling errors.

By: Y.C. Jung

Y.C. Jung — Fri, 28 May 2010 13:17:32 +0000

It’s really a wonderful article with a wonderful photo.I.m sure it gives us an equel insight,not only for Americans but also for Koreans like me. Everybody is talking about good travels, nice cars, and airline services around thr world, and suffering from air pollution and merciless oil prices on the other hand now, but have forgotten about the most realistic solution to all these problems. Good railroads have been with us but simplly been forgotten in the glamours of automobiles and supersonic aircrafts. Let’s take railways and share wonderful memories of travel like our bygone generations enjoyed years ago.