trainviews

I'm a railway fan and transportation geek, and also into American politics - so I guess I had to end up here.

My nick refers partly to the view from my balcony - see profile picture - here in Copenhagen, Denmark, where I can overlook the railway terrain leading into the Copenhagen Main Station. Close to a hundred commuter, intercity and international trains pass by hourly during rush hour.

The name also refers to the fact that I have a few views on trains and transportation, that might differ from the general consensus here. Although I love trains, and think they have a great potential, I am no romantic. I often find the "there once was a train, there should forever be a train"-crowd damaging to the debate, and no - the days when trains were the preferred mode of transcontinental travel will not come back.

So frankly, I tend to think that tying up the billions Amtrak get in subsidy in running what is essentially scenic tourist routes, instead of focusing them on where trains have natural advantages and solving the greatest transportation needs, is part of what is keeping America out of the train rennaissance. And it makes it all too easy for the train haters...

Yes, I know there's a lot of political trade offs, balances and binds in todays American train policy and changes are easier said than done. But hey - thats what we have this forum for!



Transportation, trains and American politics - so I had to end up here...