Given the HSR uncertainty, can the existing "standard speed" rail system be made more viable?
Every place I'm aware of that has high speed rail now, had a good "normal speed" rail system preceding that. I imagine a HSR upgrade would be a much easier sell to a populace already used to trains as a reliable and convenient way to get around.
Multiple standard/low-speed rail lines already exit between the SF bay and LA, but the current level of service on them just isn't competitive with flying or driving. I keep wondering whether incremental improvements on that existing infrastructure would be a better near-term use of resources.
- Can the Coast Starlight route be upgraded with more sidings, better signaling, etc to allow faster and more frequent Amtrak service along that corridor?
- Can the Gold Runner be extended into LA via Cajon pass, and maybe sped up a bit?
We don't need three-hour SF/LA runs to attract people away from flying or driving. Any bump in service will serve to pull in a certain pool of new riders, building support for funding more improvements, and so on. I have a hard time believing the only options for a one-seat ride are either true HSR 400 years from now, or one eleven hour Amtrak trip per day.