Quote:
Originally Posted by JDRCRASH
All that gridlock on the 14, 18 (only one lane), and 15 freeways trying to get to the Victorville station? I'm sorry, but I have to disagree.
|
I think you lost the big picture lost in a thicket within a forest.
They aren't trying to grow the number of Las Vegas vacationers.
They aren't trying to steal, at least initially, airline passengers.
They aren't trying to make everyone driving to Las Vegas take the train.
What they are trying to do is get 30% of those driving all the way to drive part of the way and ride their trains the rest of the way. It's around 180 miles from Victorville to Las Vegas on I-15. Their train can be seen from I-15 most of the way, just 20 miles or so will the train be out of sight from the freeway.
Imagine a DesertXpress train at 150 mph zooming pass your car on the freeway doing 70, 75, or 80 mph. You've been on the freeway for several hours when this happens, and you're still several hours away from Las Vegas.
With trains running every hour both ways, you could see four or more of these fast trains zipping pass you. You will certainly think about taking their train the next time you drive to Las Vegas. The EIS assumes at least 30% of the drivers will, that's why Barstow is against this train.
I believe seeing makes believing easier, and for those who can afford taking the train, many will. Not even everyone will have to drive to Victorville. I foresee dozens, if not hundreds, of tourist buses - which used to go all the way to Las Vegas - will turn off the freeway in Victorville to drop you off at their train station.