Why can't we have decent passenger rail service in this country? [View All]

[TheMightyFavog]

OK, I have the opportunity to go to the NAB convention in Vegas this April. I'm coming into some money, however there is one problem.

I. HATE. FLYING.

I have an intense fear of heights and the last time I was on an airline flight, I was scared shitless when the plane made a low altitude bank on its final approach into Mosinee. I am also a big guy, Those seats don't exactly fit me well.

OK, so I decide to hit up Amtrak to see if I can catch a train.

Turns out that Vegas has no train station. After a 34 hour long ride from Chicago, I'd have to catch a bus in Salt Lake after spending over 34 hours in coach, then catch a bus to Vegas.

I'd pay over 350 bones for the privelege (not including meals)

Meanwhile Orbitz says that I can go to Milwaukee, (Where the Amtrak station that will get me to Chicago is) and catch a four hour Midwest Express flight to Vegas and back again for $242

Why the hell can't we have an affordable TGV-style high speed rail network that connects every major city in the US? WHY???

:grr: