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Re: TrainNews eBart: BART gauge origin?
Author: mook
Date: 01-01-2014 - 11:58
Scott: I'm afraid I agree with you. There was even a proposal many years ago to build a highway tunnel under the Bay to Marin that could have accommodated transit - no go on economic grounds. I think SMART ending at the Ferry (Larkspur) and assorted buses is all anybody can justify in the North Bay, and even SMART is subject to argument (yes, we've heard from synonymouse on that subject before).
Commuter trains to small towns/stations made sense in the early 1900s. The roads and the vehicles available simply couldn't support comfortable, rapid transport, and standards in general were a bit lower than now for comfort and travel time (and safety!). By the time the GG Bridge was built, that was no longer the case and still isn't - you need very heavy congestion and the potential for a LOT of riders to justify new rail these days (hence arguments about SMART and the like that are kind of borderline). That potential doesn't really exist in Marin, especially south of San Rafael, so arguments about engineering feasibility for something on the bridge are just entertainment.
Commuter trains to small towns/stations made sense in the early 1900s. The roads and the vehicles available simply couldn't support comfortable, rapid transport, and standards in general were a bit lower than now for comfort and travel time (and safety!). By the time the GG Bridge was built, that was no longer the case and still isn't - you need very heavy congestion and the potential for a LOT of riders to justify new rail these days (hence arguments about SMART and the like that are kind of borderline). That potential doesn't really exist in Marin, especially south of San Rafael, so arguments about engineering feasibility for something on the bridge are just entertainment.
