Posted to The Age (16/1/2012) on 16/1/2012 at 4:24 PM
Commenting on "Australia the slow coach in starting fast trains"
http://www.theage.com.au/travel/travel-news/australia-the-slow-coach-in-starting-fast-trains-20120115-1q1fg.html
This is an expensive transport system, and don't expect the fast train to stop at all stations. The crux of the matter is, why do we need such high speed train, and can the cost justify the real benefit to the Australian population and economy?
How often are our different modes of mass transport system fully booked? The ordinary mass transport systems are close to empty after the peak hours. We have shouldered enough tax burdens by all the various direct and indirect taxes, and a fast train system will send most Australians below poverty line.
Fast train will cannibalise other industries, and in fact send many country towns broke. Some towns rely on the passing trades from tour coaches and self-drive tourists travelling to other major cities.
I am always fascinated by the argument on the security aspects of air travel versus rail travel. Any idiot having the determination to blow up a plane can do likewise to a train or important venue. We cannot constantly subject ourselves to such fear, or else life is not worth living! So what if I have to go through all the checks at an airport; I spend more time sitting at the waiting lounge than just a few minutes of inconvenience!
Any Australian government or private consortium dare to introduce it are likely have rocks in their heads.
Commenting on "Australia the slow coach in starting fast trains"
http://www.theage.com.au/travel/travel-news/australia-the-slow-coach-in-starting-fast-trains-20120115-1q1fg.html
This is an expensive transport system, and don't expect the fast train to stop at all stations. The crux of the matter is, why do we need such high speed train, and can the cost justify the real benefit to the Australian population and economy?
How often are our different modes of mass transport system fully booked? The ordinary mass transport systems are close to empty after the peak hours. We have shouldered enough tax burdens by all the various direct and indirect taxes, and a fast train system will send most Australians below poverty line.
Fast train will cannibalise other industries, and in fact send many country towns broke. Some towns rely on the passing trades from tour coaches and self-drive tourists travelling to other major cities.
I am always fascinated by the argument on the security aspects of air travel versus rail travel. Any idiot having the determination to blow up a plane can do likewise to a train or important venue. We cannot constantly subject ourselves to such fear, or else life is not worth living! So what if I have to go through all the checks at an airport; I spend more time sitting at the waiting lounge than just a few minutes of inconvenience!
Any Australian government or private consortium dare to introduce it are likely have rocks in their heads.
