Hopefully Virgin Trains does better in Murrica. Better than their airline did.

https://www.virgin.com/richard-branson/introducing-virgin-trains-usa

>>1046

It's impossible for VUSA (?) to fuck up considering the partnership with an operating railroad (FEC and Brightline, both owned by FCMex) and that they're breaking UP's monopoly over Las Vegas. As things stand Branson will end up with a profitable freight route between SF's Victorville yard and Nevada, the added speed and (plausible) electrification means he'll have a lower operating cost than UP. And this happens as Sacramento gives them 0% state-backed loans to finance it AND are figuring out how to build track to Palmdale so they can sell them on some exclusive trackage rights deal. Did I mention CARB also wants to tax UP's diesels? Sacramento would also love nothing more than for Branson to loan them a few billion to build tunnels into LA, that he'd get special rights to use in exchange.

He's looking at an immensely profitable service, and this is before passenger considerations.

>>1053

The thing with Virgin America Airlines was that the game was rigged from the start.

The biggest obstacle with the airline was protectionism. Sir Richard Branson may have been allowed to show up at the extravagant publicity events in airport terminals celebrating new service (for example, a huge Texas-style BBQ on the tarmac at Love Field Airport in Dallas), but he wasn't allowed to participate in day-to-day operations. And though he was the largest minority shareholder, Branson had absolutely no voting power. All he did was own the "Virgin Airlines" name and concept. And if the board had their way, it wouldn't even have been a Virgin Airlines at all. In the end, Virgin America got sold to Alaska Airlines, and all Sir Richard Branson could do was hand over the proverbial keys.

None of that protectionism exists in American rail transportation, thankfully; given that Canadian and Mexican interests (the latter of which seem to own the FEC, which Virgin Trains will run their Florida line one) already have stakes in this business. Virgin Trains might do all right, if what you're saying goes as planned.

>>1001

Ham, with the palindromic GET.

>>1044

Harpers Ferry, WV. That bridge is a branch off the old B&O main, only about six cars derailed and it's been cleaned up for days now. Took out the Appalachian Trail pathway built on the side of the bridge though, might be a while until that's repaired.

>>1051
Aw, I was hoping for a scavenger road trip.

On the topic of change, these tracks will be gone within a year if schedules are met. Ideally four elevated tracks will be in it's place.

wew

Dammit.. Kartma?

>lolsage

>>1039

I tripfag.

I thought it was obvious... :^)

>>939
Stop.

just to suffer

>>751

Both Hamilton and Kitchener lost their streetcars in the 1930's so no one would remember them, found out they are currently building them with Flexity Outlooks ( which are shite in my opinion)


The CLRV where over built, they were meant for both street running and as a light rail vehicle for the Scarborough Rapid Transit line but substituted shitty first generation ICTS Mark I trains.-- which cause cost overruns and shortened the route.

--originally was supposed the cross a number of streets ant grade then keep going to UofT Scarborough campus and the Toronto Zoo at 70 kph on a separated grade

but using ICTS would have meant more flyovers instead of grade crossing. thus they killed the idea.

I believe that 4000 was actually built by SIG in Switzerland.

Should have been saved even just for it's historical significance.

Hey did not realize I actually photographed it in service long ago