Why are trains in Europe faster than here in the USA?

[Robert W]

I rode trains in Germany and Holland. Back then the trains were not really fast yet punctual. Being on time counts to Europeans.

Curves. Did I mention that in Europe Trains don't follow such curvy tracks. Trains that curve a lot can't move very fast. American trains only follow Curvy tracks for long times. To get an appreciation of American trains, here is a good video.

 

[okfine]

The rails in the US are monopolized to move freight, 5W

 

[Robert W]

The rails in the US are monopolized to move freight, 5W

What does 5W mean to you? Are you saying in Europe Trains don't move freight? Wouldn't it be more efficient to move freight on straight lines?

 

[excalibur]

HSR is heavily subsidized. Almost all HSR lines in the world are money losers.

 

[okfine]

What does 5W mean to you? Are you saying in Europe Trains don't move freight? Wouldn't it be more efficient to move freight on straight lines?

I already explained it. The railroads don't care about anything but freight here.

 

[1srelluc]

What does 5W mean to you? Are you saying in Europe Trains don't move freight? Wouldn't it be more efficient to move freight on straight lines?

Maybe west of the Mississippi till you hit the Rockies. I bet there is not a mile of straight track in my entire county.

Here's the approaches to my county and it's mostly flat land.

It just gets worse after that!

 

[Admiral Rockwell Tory]

I already explained it. The railroads don't care about anything but freight here.

I guess you have never heard of Amtrak! My God, you are stupid! Seek help!

 

[okfine]

I guess you have never heard of Amtrak! My God, you are stupid! Seek help!

Look at this imbecile ^^^

You should stay in your little bubble because that comment seriously wanes.

 

[skye]

I rode trains in Germany and Holland. Back then the trains were not really fast yet punctual. Being on time counts to Europeans.

Curves. Did I mention that in Europe Trains don't follow such curvy tracks. Trains that curve a lot can't move very fast. American trains only follow Curvy tracks for long times. To get an appreciation of American trains, here is a good video.

 

[JackOfNoTrades]

I rode trains in Germany and Holland. Back then the trains were not really fast yet punctual. Being on time counts to Europeans.

Curves. Did I mention that in Europe Trains don't follow such curvy tracks. Trains that curve a lot can't move very fast. American trains only follow Curvy tracks for long times. To get an appreciation of American trains, here is a good video.

Because the European (and Far East) countries invest in their infrastructure...not just talk a good game about about it.

 

[Robert W]

Because the European (and Far East) countries invest in their infrastructure...not just talk a good game about about it.

Are you aware that the Biden infrastructure bill is still not close to happening?

 

[Robert W]

View attachment 1109814

In the USA it does have wide open virtually level places. But to cross the Rockies and the Sierra Nevada, mountains are the daily encounters. So even if the trains move fast on the east coast, not true for the west coast states.

 

[Robert W]

Maybe west of the Mississippi till you hit the Rockies. I bet there is not a mile of straight track in my entire county.

Here's the approaches to my county and it's mostly flat land.

It just gets worse after that!

I have been in Loudun County visiting friends Pretty curvy there.

 

[Robert W]

I already explained it.

What post explained 5W?

 

[Robert W]

Because the European (and Far East) countries invest in their infrastructure...not just talk a good game about about it.

That was the trademark Biden for you.

 

[okfine]

What post explained 5W?

You have memory issues.

 

[Robert W]

You have memory issues.

You accused me. I never read a reply. So it is not memory at all. Thanks for not explaining it today. It must be a waste of time.

 

[okfine]

You accused me. I never read a reply. So it is not memory at all. Thanks for not explaining it today. It must be a waste of time.

It sure bothers you, 5W

 

[toobfreak]

Because the European (and Far East) countries invest in their infrastructure...not just talk a good game about about it.

You mean like Joe Biden and the democrats which are in power 70% of the time, right? Remember Joe Biden's Build Back Better bill from 4 years ago investing bigly in the USA to rebuild America? How did that go?

I bet that 300 billion Joe gave to Ukraine to keep Ukraine pensions funded and that 80 billion in military gear he left in Afghanistan could rebuild quite a bit here, but apparently, America is crumbling because democrats would rather give all our money away helping Europe invest in THEIR infrastructure than ours.

And now that we have a real president trying to clean up our streets ridding us of criminals and gangs, democrats are fighting that tooth and nail as well.

 

[Foxfyre]

I rode trains in Germany and Holland. Back then the trains were not really fast yet punctual. Being on time counts to Europeans.

Curves. Did I mention that in Europe Trains don't follow such curvy tracks. Trains that curve a lot can't move very fast. American trains only follow Curvy tracks for long times. To get an appreciation of American trains, here is a good video.

European countries are tiny in comparison to the USA. Many are the size of moderately sized U.S. states, some the size of a large U.S. county. With so small an area to maintain they can have tracks in tip top condition at all times and safely run the trains at high speeds. U.S. tracks cover long LONG stretches of unpopulated country and maintaining all that track is much more difficult to do. As a result it is safer to run the trains at lower speeds. Or so I've been told by family members who have ridden/driven those trains for a living.