Why can't the US have this?

[barking_iguana]

Noted by the National Corridors Initiative:

The French rail system SNCF has ordered 500 additional “Autorails Grande Capacité” (AGC) for its growing suburban, regional and interregional services.

“The AGC is the new generation of regional trains for both the French and the European market,” stated Bombardier in making the announcement.

While the United States makes do with 40-year-old equipment in some of the nation’s most congested regions, if it offers any rail at all, the French (and other European countries) are rapidly modernizing their ground transportation system to offer a comfortable, and by current American standards, luxurious, alternative to automobile commuting.

Importantly, the AGC is available in either diesel or electric versions AND a dual mode version.

“These Bombardier AGC trains are a significant development for the future,” stated NCI President Jim RePass. “While only available at present in Europe, perhaps regional rail systems across America can look at this kind of modern technology as a potential solution over time, as the regions’ rail systems are modernized as they must be if America is going to compete with the rest of the world for business and tourism.”

Comments

[freeko.livejournal.com]

Because Americans are stupid and short-sighted and would rather take tax cuts rather then invest in the nations infrastructure.

"Save Me From Tomorrow, I Don't Want to Sail With This Ship of Fools"-Karl Wallinger (World Party) "Ship Of Fools"

[cinema-babe.livejournal.com]

Why?

Because Americans are sheep who bought wholesale into the "two car family, I've got to fly to get" attitude. I love train travel for both long and short trips and it's a sad that we, as a society, have not invested more money or interest in it.

[barking-iguana.livejournal.com]

I think it's our history of lower population density and seemingly unlimited resources that makes us (compared to Europe) maladapted for 21st Century life.

[chemoelectric.livejournal.com]

With the Twin Cities having some of the most rapidly increasing road congestion, we are tending towards restoring rail service—so far one light rail line. It is one of the two things Jesse Ventura championed and actually got pushed through; the other was his own invention, reducing vehicle taxes on the types of humongous vehicles Jesse Ventura likes to have. :)

There is talk of more light rail lines and long-time talk of a commuter line to St. Cloud. Obviously NJ already has this type of service, but we don’t have any of it, nor a subway, and the people here are maniacs with their cars (though Ottawa is worse).

[chemoelectric.livejournal.com]

I think it’s because no one wants to drive on the same roads as Frenchmen, so they take the train.