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Let’s say they are but 10x time and 10x the cost but 1.5x comfort - would you?


In this case, I would not. But in the real world, trains hit none of these criteria. Sure, they're slower, but the ideal case scenario is one where they can replace short- and medium-haul flights, where the difference in speed can be made up for the extra hours spent at an airport. Nor are they more expensive - trains are cheaper to run per person and can carry a ton of people at once.

And while this depends on the train service, the comfort is generally much better - there's more legroom and the seats are more comfortable, and if they serve food on board, it's superior to in-flight food. And that's not even mentioning other benefits like no limits on luggage weight or not having to throw out all drinks before boarding.


In that case they wouldn't be a viable alternative, would they. A train can go 500+ km/h, and with good planning they don't have to cost 10x, so you're premise does not stand.


Can you give examples where they are “viable”?

In Japan they are still several times more expensive and slower (over long distance, as OP suggested).




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