tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7903937763350788308.post5567985574784651300..comments2023-04-27T03:19:55.560-07:00Comments on Reason & Rail: The future for expanding intercity rail service in AmericaPaul Drucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01856513230667005087noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7903937763350788308.post-49936931253065234892013-02-04T17:57:44.596-08:002013-02-04T17:57:44.596-08:00Another issue with branch lines and Class II lines...Another issue with branch lines and Class II lines is that if freight traffic is light enough, it becomes feasible for passenger rail to invest in more powerful freight locos as an alternative to pouring concrete as a way of reducing passenger-fright speed difference.Alonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17267294744186811858noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7903937763350788308.post-28704261555920553132013-02-03T22:08:41.341-08:002013-02-03T22:08:41.341-08:00Not so much, I'd really want to see a lot more...Not so much, I'd really want to see a lot more info about their proposal before supporting it (especially if Iowa Pacific is the partner they're referring to; their new Pullman service went pretty FUBAR). The "freeway" is actually a toll road, but it's only $4 from Tulsa to Oklahoma City which is dirt cheap and isn't going to affect matters.<br /><br />Being a bit slower in general than the interstate isn't necessarily a killer, but I don't think there's enough traffic that it could survive it. Outside of Oklahoma City and Tulsa proper, crossings shouldn't be an issue and the route should be an affordable upgrade to 110mph running. That said, I think they're lowballing costs significantly and I am doubtful of the profit potential for a rail corridor with only <a href="https://www.pikepass.com/PDF/Yearly%202011.pdf#page=9" rel="nofollow">24,000 cars in that corridor in the average day</a>, 12K each direction.<br /><br />Don't get me wrong, it's possible and it actually wouldn't be much of a price premium compared to driving (marginal driving cost of $17 with 25mpg, $3.25 gas in Tulsa today, and $4 toll; marginal train cost $21 at 20 cents per train mile which has some potential for operating profit at 250 passenger per train). It's not an out and out crazy idea, but I don't think a four train a day service between OKC and Tulsa will work as a profitable private service.Paul Drucehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01856513230667005087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7903937763350788308.post-51162783352977290682013-02-03T20:49:48.672-08:002013-02-03T20:49:48.672-08:00It's cute but in direct competition with an in...It's cute but in direct competition with an interstate freeway that only takes 2 hours to drive. Do you think this has a chance?<br /><br />Point taken about the Class II and IIIs though.<br />Matthewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02027332620204904993noreply@blogger.com