French train breaks speed record
A French train with a 25,000-horsepower engine and special wheels broke the world speed record Tuesday for conventional rail trains, reaching 357.2 mph as it zipped through the countryside to the applause of spectators.
The fastest speed record is still held by Japan's magnetically levitated train, which hit 361 mph in 2003.
A California delegation came to study the prospect for a high-speed line running from Sacramento in the north to San Diego, in the south, via San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Yet, it may takes years or decades before fast-speed trains matching our European and Japanese counterparts appear in the U.S. While some may favour travelling via plane, fast-trains would be useful for short-distance. The Acela Express has a record number of passengers over the last four months (about 1,000,000), yet its max speed is about 135 mph. Most of the rail infrastucture limits train speeds to 90 mph or less. Maglev and other high-speed projects must be given priority. What's to complain? You can avoid going to the airport 2 hours early and spend an hour in the security line. Less hassle.
Comments
Posted by: From a lonely apartment in Paris
Posted on: April 3, 2007 03:53 PM
I am in Paris right now, and it's such a wonderful thing that this country favors alternative forms of transportation besides cars and plans. Hihg-speed trains would be a god send for travel between places like SF and LA. Instead of 6 hours it would take 2 and you'd see the coast and avoid the hassle/risks of air travel.
I only wish the good 'ol USA would follow suit. Don't hold your breath.