Is there a real need to push the speed limits of cars and trains?

Question

What is the result of cars crashing at a relative speed of more than 200kph and trains derailing at more than 350kph? More and more powerful of these vehicles are being built. Is there a crazy plan I wonder for them to replace planes?

Answer 1

It is possible to engineer trains and railroads for safe high-speed travel.  It is less practical to engineer automobiles for these higher speeds because of the greater likelihood of accidents.

High speed rail makes a lot of sense.  It offers efficient, high-capacity, and fast connections between densely-populated areas, where airlines provide connections between airports.  You could travel from downtown Chicago to downtown New York, for example, possibly in as little as a few hours if the right speeds were possible.

Rail is less likely to be subject to weather problems.  Its cost would probably be lower and it would also quite probably be safer.

Most Americans don't appreciate good rail transportation because we haven't had much of it in the past fifty years or so, but it is a very practical method of travel and could be greatly improved.

Answer 2

Autos dont need to be faster but performance sells. Trains are relatively much much safer and rarely derail at high speeds. They are much much more fuel efficient and therefore create less emissions than plane travel. And yes they are able to replace planes for short and even mid range travel. Faster more efficient trains are the best way to wean us off of our personal vehicles. as for Dar's questoin about mag-lev, I would love to see it myself but it is a horribly expensive system still needing lots of refinements. In addition maglev systems dont work with any existing rail equipment so, from a dollars and cents standpoint, not likely, sad to say.

Answer 3

I think there is no need for faster faster. Only asking for  trouble trouble.

Answer 4

Everyone always wants to push the limits... :)

Answer 5

man is such an inventor. maybe the time would come that MagLev transportation will be used. I wonder if I'll be able to experience it in my lifetime....

Answer 6

I doubt there is any real plan for them to replace planes.  They are simply making those methods of transportation more appealing, so more people might consider them as opposed to planes.

Answer 7

Need to get to places faster is the answer. Mostly everyone needs to go somewhere early like their jobs. Trains no adays like the bullet train don't derail and are made to go really fast without derailing. I bet later in the future Train tracks would be build across the ocean and people would use bullet train to travel instead of planes which would make it safer.