Quote:
Originally Posted by electricron
The fare prices between the two types of passenger train services are different because of the different government subsidies. Just as an example, let’s assume you are commuting to New York City from New Haven.
Per https://www.wanderu.com/en-us/train/...s-ny/new-york/
And https://www.rome2rio.com/s/New-York/New-Haven
Amtrak Acela fare $85
Amtrak Amfleet fare $35
Metro North fare $17
Bus $9
Who with any logic would pay over $800 a week, or over $3,000 a month to commute by an Acela train when they can do so for over $150 a week or over $600 a month - 5 times cheaper? |
And yet 100 mile HSR commutes are a thing in Europe and Japan, and a good chunk of every HSR operator's revenue relies on commuter traffic. The typical profile isn't a daily commuter, but someone who goes in 2-3x per week. And with Bay Area home prices being what they are, I can see a ton of folks putting up with a 2-3x weekly 1.5 hr commute from Fresno at $400 a week. If CalHSR isn't actively planning on targeting this market, their business planners should be fired....