In a world of trains, planes and automobiles, trains have taken a back seat. The day may not be too far away when trains will find their place again in the front and in the driver's seat.

Not b/c of any burning nostalgia or changing consumer preferences, but b/c of good old fashioned cost benefit factors in supply and demand.

Mr. Kunstler may have his vision of future rail fulfilled after all.

Thanks Alan for figures. Makes comparisons so much easier to see.

The recent announcement in France of building 1,500 km of trams in a decade had an estimated cost of 21 billion euros, or 14 million euros/km (vs. the 17.2 million euros/km in Mulhouse).

With some adjustment factors (2nd and 3rd lines cost less than 1st lines, mass production of standardized trams, tram-train lines are cheaper/km) the goal is possible, if a bit low for my taste.

Best Hopes for cost-effective Urban Rail,

Alan