High Speed Trains are Killing the European Railway Network

It is a horrible idea that will fail miserably if it ever actually happens. people don't want to drive to Victorville to catch a train. If they could catch it in L.A. and a couple of stations around the valley it might have a chance.

Quote: DRich

It is a horrible idea that will fail miserably if it ever actually happens. people don't want to drive to Victorville to catch a train. If they could catch it in L.A. and a couple of stations around the valley it might have a chance.

Maybe if they had these 80 passenger skylifters. The airship would have an estimated cruising air speed of 50mph, and a range of at least 1,200 miles. I should think they would be good for two round trips in a 24 hour day. You would need a fleet of about 18 to move a million passengers per year.



Burbank Airport is 276 miles driving , but it is about 210 air miles to Vegas. The airlifter could make the trip in about the same time as driving.But I would think the real advantage of an airlifter is the ability to pick you up and drop you off at more convenient locations than an airport.


BUR VGT 051° (NE) 039° (NE) 226 mi North Las Vegas
BUR LAS 054° (NE) 041° (NE) 223 mi Las Vegas
BUR HSH 055° (NE) 043° (NE) 220 m Hendersonville Executive Airport

Quote: DRich

It is a horrible idea that will fail miserably if it ever actually happens. people don't want to drive to Victorville to catch a train. If they could catch it in L.A. and a couple of stations around the valley it might have a chance.

You are quite correct in saying that people don't want to drive to Victorvlle to catch a train, but the question of economic viability does not revolve around the passengers "wants" but his actions, knowing the alternatives.

A fast run to Victorville, followed by a fast train, followed by an on-site car rental/limousine service might not be what motorists would prefer, but the question is: If it is available will they opt for it over the straight drive, particularly including the speed trap in Baker or renewed enforcement of 55 by CHP? Its sort of like 6:5 blackjack, do you want it? No. Will you play it? If its all thats avalable, yes.

VIP helicopter to Victorville seems strange: if you can afford to charter a plane, heck.. go all the way. Of course there might be a 'ride share' service to Victorville from some heliport closer to LA. Santa Monica airport to Victorvile or Burbank to Victorville would be cheap if it were "x" passengers per trip by helicopter or small plane.

I do not rent cars in Vegas anymore since I generally pick a casino and Play Where I Stay or at least very nearby.

With luggage surcharges, I think people will start 'traveling light' and relying on a hotel's concierge or a limousine driver's skills to make stops along the way. Ship your luggage to the Concierge, have that "Concierge Service" send its various pre-packed boxes to your intended hotel prior to your arrival. (caveat: I think that private concierge service with the prepacked boxes went out of business, but I'm not sure.). Remember that one 'convenient store' as it sign reads. Asian run but it has EVERYTHING and every taxicab driver in Vegas knows about it. Its possible to get to your room and find Shirts, Slacks, Underwear, Your brand of Booze, a coffee maker, etc. all waiting for you.

>>>>>XpressWest will utilize fully electric, next generation train rolling stock capable of speeds in excess of 150 MPH
Capable but probably limping along at less than that in which case it will go broke.

Quote: Fleastiff

Capable but probably limping along at less than that in which case it will go broke.

It's interesting speculation. Bombardier makes a Zerfiro 250 (or 250 km=155 mph) which is the slowest of their three models, the others being the Zefiro 300, and Zefiro 380. So one would think that the speed of 150 mph is very doable.


But, the Federal Buy America requirements, will not be met, but XpressWest, in its capacity as a private project, has elected to utilize a Manufacture in America approach to purchasing its trains. So they may end up mucking up the train.

Quote: Pacomartin

But, the Federal Buy America requirements, will not be met, but XpressWest, in its capacity as a private project, has elected to utilize a Manufacture in America approach to purchasing its trains. So they may end up mucking up the train.

What continent do they think Canada is in, eh? ;)

Quote: Nareed

What continent do they think Canada is in, eh? ;)

Actually, I think they are made in China EVEN if designed in Canada

Acela trains run from Washington DC and Boston (456 miles) via 14 intermediate stops including Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York City. Acela Express trains are the fastest trainsets in the Americas; the highest speed they attain is 150 mph in revenue service (84 mph on average without stops). Acela trains use tilting technology, which helps control lateral centrifugal forces, allowing the train to travel at higher speeds on the sharply curved NEC without disturbing passengers. Acela operates along routes that are also used by freight and slower regional passenger traffic, and only reaches its maximum speed along short sections.



Acela is looking for a new generation of trainsets. Even though XpressWest has a new track, and doesn't require the tilting technology, it may make financial sense for them to purchase the same trainsets as Amtrak.