[Newfie]

Those buss says are big in Mexico I think.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubber-tyred_metro

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/O-Bahn_Busway

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airport_Transit_System

[lpetrich]

As to rail lines for high-speed trains, they have been built in abundance in Eurasia, especially on its eastern and western ends. Though they are rather expensive to build, they seem to be very worth building, and the trains are not nearly as expensive to run.

As to the California system, I support it. IMO, it's about time that such a system was built -- and that similar systems are built in other urbanized areas. A high-speed line between New York City and Los Angeles would be folly, but NYC - Midwest and LA - Las Vegas would be reasonable.

I remember President Obama supporting high-speed-rail efforts early in his presidency, but Republican politicians rejected efforts in Wisconsin, Ohio, and Florida, and California got those states' money instead.

[Newfie]

Somethings going on

Emanuel meets with DOT head concerning the tunnel project. I think this is highly unusual. Especially since the DOT has no money in the project. My guess is it was a warning.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-musk ... SKBN1JO2CV

[Newfie]

Here is a pretty good article with some cost comparisons.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.cityla ... le/562841/

[Newfie]

It sounds very much like they DID give him this, pending final negotiations.

As incredible as it seems. I find it unusual Emanuel would met personally with the DOT in DC. I suspect they were trying to tell him something. Short meeting, just an hour.

[Outcast_Searcher]

It sounds very much like they DID give him this, pending final negotiations.

As incredible as it seems. I find it unusual Emanuel would met personally with the DOT in DC. I suspect they were trying to tell him something. Short meeting, just an hour.

A reminder that things like SAFETY STANDARDS would matter and require real world features, not just Musk assurances that nothing could go wrong, perhaps?

At least when the horrific NYC subway very frequently breaks down, for example, it doesn't get a bunch of people trapped, injured, or killed -- at least normally.

[Newfie]

Actually if Federal money is not being used then many federal requirements do NOT apply. Typically the State will reference safety standards through legislation or by code, but that stuff could be modified or waived. There is a possibility they are proceeding without safety standards.

[Newfie]

Pete,
Your post makes no sense. What are you going on about? Outcast was contrasting the NYC subway tavorably to a potentially unsafe system proposed for Chicago.

Please flesh out your thoughts.

[Newfie]

The funny thing is the NYC subways are actually very “old school.” Low technology. They are trying to modernize but it’s slow and expensive work.

You are correct that they wirk well, and they recovered from Sandy much, much faster than i anticipated. This is in part due to their old technology which is simple and robust. It works.

[Cog]

Actually if Federal money is not being used then many federal requirements do NOT apply. Typically the State will reference safety standards through legislation or by code, but that stuff could be modified or waived. There is a possibility they are proceeding without safety standards.

It's my understanding that osha safe working rules will apply regardless of federal or state funding. Osha protects workers regardless of who pays for the project.

[Newfie]

Correct, but not a myriad of other requirements such as those laid out in NFPA 130. They set requirements for fire safety, fire suppression, evacuation access, communications, ventilation, and much, much more. Most of it is common sense stuff, some a bit weird.

I worked on a “high speed” rail job funded by private money. When we brought up some rudimentary safety measures we were pointedly told “this is not a transit project, it’s a hospitality project.” Very, very glad to retire before being fired.

[Cog]

The L trains already run from O-Hare to downtown. The cost is $5 and the trip take around 45 minutes. I'm not exactly sure what problem the city of Chicago is trying to solve here.

https://www.transitchicago.com/airports/#ord