Comments on: Mercury High Speed Train

By: CameronM

CameronM — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 18:37:35 +0000

Adam–Theres no need to go much faster than 225 mph within the UK once you take into account the time needed to get to and from the airport, check in, go through security, etc. Admittedly 450 mph would probably be enough to completely devestate the domestic air routes–but based on what has happened in France and recently Spain between Madrid and Barcelona you can have major impacts and still be under 200 mph.
As regards tax payer expense–ALL forms of transport use taxpayer monies. Both the automobile and the airplane get gobs of funds from the public dole to build, maintain and improve their facilities.
As per your comment on terrorists. There is a danger there. But there is a danger to any form of transport. The terrorists could blow up a lorry under an M1 overpass and do damage as well. And they’ve already proven they can blow airlines out of the sky. Also–although it tends to be forgotten now–during WWII the Big 4 railways of Britain could repair a rail junction demolished by aerial bombardment in less than a day. True–they didn’t have a lot of the safety rules in effect back then–but a railway line CAN be put back in service as fast–if not faster than a roadway. Of course, you will not be able to do 225 mph over the track right away–but you can get service back up and running quickly IF everyone involved wants to make the effort.

By: hu5ky

hu5ky — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 14:32:03 +0000

Crikey, saucer of milk over here please…

By: adamclark1

adamclark1 — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 03:13:08 +0000

You’d have to be an absolute moron to think the actual train (if it’s ever built) would look anything like this. But, then again why not! If someone else is going to pay for it. Why not give every 20 lucky passengers a 1500 Square Foot luxury condo on wheels to take them to and fro at taxpayer expense. And while we’re in fantasy land…225 MPH?…How are we ever going to drive the airline industry out of business? Let’s say the train goes 450MPH. What happens if some terrorist decides to blow up the track as the train passes by? Betcha never thought of that. People will end up flying for 2 years while you fix the track…using taxpayer money. Come on guys! Let’s come up with some real ideas.