Although I agree mostly with William Volez on his assessment of this issue, I think there is a situation where Rail could be improved (adapted, added to, reinvisioned) to improve interstate travel. Since I was blessed (cursed) with early retirement, I have spent many hours on the interstates (I-5, I-10, I-15, I-25, I-70, I-37, I-77) purs…
Although I agree mostly with William Volez on his assessment of this issue, I think there is a situation where Rail could be improved (adapted, added to, reinvisioned) to improve interstate travel. Since I was blessed (cursed) with early retirement, I have spent many hours on the interstates (I-5, I-10, I-15, I-25, I-70, I-37, I-77) pursuing my frustrating quest to become an adequate windsurfer. As I have traveled these busy routes, I have been impressed by the number of long haul truckers parked along the interstates, constrained by their rules of operation, to have to stop and sleep/rest before continuing. I understand that they are operating under rules designed to protect everyone by ensuring they are rested and capable of continuing. What if, when approaching their limit on driving hours, instead of being forced to pull off in some deserted rest stop or freeway off ramp, they were able to pull their tractor/trailer on to a flatbed railway car, and then achieve their required rest hours while making a thousand miles or so toward their destination? Talk about a win, win?
Although I agree mostly with William Volez on his assessment of this issue, I think there is a situation where Rail could be improved (adapted, added to, reinvisioned) to improve interstate travel. Since I was blessed (cursed) with early retirement, I have spent many hours on the interstates (I-5, I-10, I-15, I-25, I-70, I-37, I-77) pursuing my frustrating quest to become an adequate windsurfer. As I have traveled these busy routes, I have been impressed by the number of long haul truckers parked along the interstates, constrained by their rules of operation, to have to stop and sleep/rest before continuing. I understand that they are operating under rules designed to protect everyone by ensuring they are rested and capable of continuing. What if, when approaching their limit on driving hours, instead of being forced to pull off in some deserted rest stop or freeway off ramp, they were able to pull their tractor/trailer on to a flatbed railway car, and then achieve their required rest hours while making a thousand miles or so toward their destination? Talk about a win, win?
Thoughts? Reactions?