Re: Noted dates for HSR
Author: FUD
Date: 07-12-2021 - 07:50
Agree that in the South Burbank is the appropriate first-stage terminus. Palmdale is just too far away, whatever you do to patch up Metrolink's tracks. Caltrain is more or less straight, and even the present diesel-powered limited-stop runs can do SF-SJ in about an hour; an upgraded commuter railroad with some extra tracks can do the job for a long time. That's not the case in the south. Metrolink, of course, would be happy to use HSR money for track upgrades and electrification, but Palmdale is still 62 miles driving distance (and more, curvy, rail miles) from downtown LA. Metrolink currently takes more than 2 hours, though that of course includes many stops; but it's just not suitable even for moderately high speed use.