Re: So hsr is good for "up to 400-500 miles" but LA-Phx is too far at 372 miles? Fullerton at 356 miles? Riverside at 320 miles? LA-Palm Springs not an intermediate market?
Author: laff trak
Date: 02-08-2024 - 12:18
OK, it's (barely) within 400 miles. And on further review there's intermediate traffic in the inland empire and at Palm Springs, then perhaps on the outskirts of PHX. But that's still a long way - similar to CAHSR phase 1 but without the couple million (and growing fast) people in the Central Valley - it's still banking on flyover with a little commuting at each end (the commuting does not need HSR). Brightline is unlikely to want it since they have to make money enough to cover construction loans (bonds) and operation pretty much from day 1 (the LV route is short enough for that to probably happen). My original point needs some modification, but it remains. You're looking at more than $100B to build and fairly high operating cost even if it's mostly in/near I-10, with perhaps as small discount if CAHSR covers the job as far as I-15 for you, someday. It's an undetermined-future project; interesting idea, but other stuff will happen first.