I have used only "slow rail" in Mexico, Canada, and Europe. My experience was terrible in Mexico, good in Canada, and great in Europe. I would much rather take a five-hour train trip than a two-hour flight. When comparing driving and railing, for me, it has less to do with trip time and more to do with local access at both ends. Even with HSR, I would still drive from Houston to Dallas. Even with "slow rail," I always rail it in the NEC because who needs a car?
Definitely agree that local transit connections are really important for successful inter-city rail. That's the ideal. But I don't think mediocre local transit is a good reason not to invest in high-speed rail. Many people today will take an Uber to the airport in Houston so they can fly to Dallas. If HSR takes a similar amount of time, they'll find a way to get to the station.
I think the next few years will be critical for rail/HSR investment in this country, because 1) the Brightline Orlando extension will come to be seen as successful, or not, 2) Brightline West will either succeed, or if it encounters significant cost overruns and/or delays will just become, to HSR detractors, Exhibit B after CA HSR of the futility of HSR in the US, and 3) Trump has enormous influence over the Republican Party - if he comes out in support of HSR then the republican party largely will too, but if he does not support it or is indifferent, HSR will remain something inefficiently and slowly developed - in fits and starts depending which party is in control.
I have used only "slow rail" in Mexico, Canada, and Europe. My experience was terrible in Mexico, good in Canada, and great in Europe. I would much rather take a five-hour train trip than a two-hour flight. When comparing driving and railing, for me, it has less to do with trip time and more to do with local access at both ends. Even with HSR, I would still drive from Houston to Dallas. Even with "slow rail," I always rail it in the NEC because who needs a car?
Definitely agree that local transit connections are really important for successful inter-city rail. That's the ideal. But I don't think mediocre local transit is a good reason not to invest in high-speed rail. Many people today will take an Uber to the airport in Houston so they can fly to Dallas. If HSR takes a similar amount of time, they'll find a way to get to the station.
I think the next few years will be critical for rail/HSR investment in this country, because 1) the Brightline Orlando extension will come to be seen as successful, or not, 2) Brightline West will either succeed, or if it encounters significant cost overruns and/or delays will just become, to HSR detractors, Exhibit B after CA HSR of the futility of HSR in the US, and 3) Trump has enormous influence over the Republican Party - if he comes out in support of HSR then the republican party largely will too, but if he does not support it or is indifferent, HSR will remain something inefficiently and slowly developed - in fits and starts depending which party is in control.
Excellent article, Ben!