@farmerman,
farmerman wrote:
PS, I reiterate, The rest of the world is demonstrating how mass transport works and it works very well.
What I have tried to explain is that attempting to pursue expensive rail systems, like those that work elsewhere, will just end up stimulating the automotive economy more.
The main reason is that anytime there is a plan to reduce driving lanes, narrow roads/corridors, or replace driving lanes with rail lines, there is political backlash and pressure for more driving volume.
As such, the best option to increase public transit is to develop better bus transit that utilizes existing roads and highways.
There are many innovations possible in bus transit, such as being able to dock and transfer passenger without stopping. Most of the time waste in intercity bus service is due to indirect routes and layovers.
But mainly people have to choose buses over driving and flying. If bus transit gained enough popularity, it would make sense to invest in replacing lanes in existing corridors with rails, but before that ever happens there will be huge industry/politics fights to block it from happening and the question is at what point that will stop and why/how.
