Here's a very underrated infrastructure idea: what if we invested in creating seamless transportation between airports and train stations?
Intercity rail is never going to be as cost effective in America as in Europe because everything is so much more spread out. BUT, the hub-and-spoke airline model often has you take one long flight and one short one. What if we could replace *just the short flight* with a train?
Imagine if we had a system that encouraged multi-modal trips.
Airlines would fly you to a big city relatively near your destination, then transfer your luggage on to Amtrak, shuttle you to the station, and you ride the rest of the way. The ticket lets you book this all in one.
Airlines would fly you to a big city relatively near your destination, then transfer your luggage on to Amtrak, shuttle you to the station, and you ride the rest of the way. The ticket lets you book this all in one.
This seems like a really good compromise. It would reduce the carbon footprint of travel, while not sacrificing a significant amount of time or flexibility.
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