Mr. O'Toole does has a lot of interesting thoughts. Even though a bus may be able to move people just a fast as a commuter or medium distance train, with low maintenance and a cheaper ticket, I still don't see a bus as an adequate substitution. I guess time will tell if self driving cars will become popular, but I think that it will be a while before that technology becomes widespread and safe.
If there are tracks going to suburbs and small towns, I still wonder if P-Trak cars and DMU trains could play a role. Possibly a Microsoft P-Trak or a JP Morgan Chase DMU.
Richard
Posted by George Harris (Member # 2077) on :
There is a complete lack of reality if anyone thinks a bus will take the place of discontinued long distance trains. Ask Grayhound. When I last checked, considering using a bus over a route that was reasonably served some 20+ years ago, the answer was rediculous. What was direct was now roundabout with a couple of changes taking nearly twice as long as before.
Posted by yukon11 (Member # 2997) on :
I do agree with you, George, and don't understand why Mr. O'Toole thinks a bus could take the place of a long distance or even a medium distance passenger train. I thought the proposed Albuquerque to Dodge City bus link was ridiculous. I think Amtrak thruway buses serve a purpose for getting to the train station, but it sometimes is easier and faster to go by automobile.